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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C