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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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