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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C