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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the need for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give 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 the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team until C