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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also 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 during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C