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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much 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 now a considerably more composed batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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