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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. However 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 being a threat at the top level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C