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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C