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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest 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 Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after 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 hoped for against India 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 Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C