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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C