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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should seize the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid 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 recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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