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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C