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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense 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 journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required 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 off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C