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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C