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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C