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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C