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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match points to the requirement for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. 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 latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and should embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected 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 determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. 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 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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