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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C