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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. 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 make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C