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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive 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 hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-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 playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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