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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the need for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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