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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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