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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul 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 should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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