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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid 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 Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C