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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run 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 outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C