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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the need for calm heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and can seize the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C