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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and should seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C