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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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