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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C