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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the need for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C