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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and habit to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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