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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 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 ought to welcome the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C