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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C