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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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