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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C