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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's 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. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C