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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and can embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and habit to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C