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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly finished after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C