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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

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 time has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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