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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C