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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just 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 step in to captain the side until C