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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the need for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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