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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over following the Australian team announced a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the need for composed minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C