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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C