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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for composed heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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