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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C