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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should seize the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C