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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C