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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 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 injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C