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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron 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 the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following 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 just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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