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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite 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 recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C