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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done after Australia announced a 15-member squad to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C