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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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