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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C