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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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