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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C