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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C