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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished following Australia announced a 15-player team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense 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 journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C