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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking 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 currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, 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 accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C