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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning 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 baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side until C