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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C