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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to face England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim 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 emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. 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 games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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