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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C