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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C