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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist 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 bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C