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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C