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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C