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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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