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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure 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 batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran 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 critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C