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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C