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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and should seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also 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, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C