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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically done following Australia announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing 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 could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C