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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order 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 pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C