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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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