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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C