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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team until C