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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over after Australia announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at this level and can seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C