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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and ought to seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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