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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the need for calm minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C