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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. 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 player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C