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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C