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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved 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 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C