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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C