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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C