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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the need for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C