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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C