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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-player team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should 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 playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side till C