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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following 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 domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C