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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-man team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and should welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for 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. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C