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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare 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 career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C