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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C