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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous 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 the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C