Few cricketers have worn the Baggy Green with greater pride than Justin Langer, and in his role as the Western Australia coach the former Australia opener has called on his fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile to “inflict a few early psychological scars” on England in the opening tour match at the Waca this weekend.

Thanks to his fragile frame, Coulter-Nile has not played successive first-class matches since 2015 so it was decided the two-day game against England for a WA XI was better than a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales. This despite the brawny quick opening the season with a man of the match showing as Tasmania were bowled out for 63.

Coulter-Nile has played 40 white-ball internationals but no Tests and is bidding for an Ashes place at the Gabba. Langer said he was reluctant to play the fast bowler – who will captain an inexperienced WA XI – “because why would we give them [England] a look?”, although he added: “That said, there could be a psychological advantage the other way as well. If he bowls fast and gets wickets, he has the early psychological advantage.

“If you’re a batsman and he gets you out a couple of times it’s always in the back of your mind. That’s what he’ll be aiming to do for sure – make the most of the opportunity, to inflict a few psychological early scars on the England batsmen by getting a few wickets and put his name up for Australian selection.”

Langer could not be drawn on a prediction for the series. “I’m going to be very diplomatic,” he said. “Glenn McGrath might go for 5-0 but I usually like to under promise and over deliver. I just love the theatre in the buildup to an Ashes series, I can’t wait. I’m really enjoying the banter already. But what really matters is who has got the steel on day one at the Gabba. I can’t wait for that.”

Cricket Australia has named its squad for England’s remaining two warmups, with more familiar faces among the coaching staff than players. For the day‑night game in Adelaide, Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers, whitewashers four years ago, are in charge, while in Townsville – where conditions are expected to be similar to those at the Gabba – Troy Cooley, England’s former bowling coach, will work under Graeme Hick. Hick played 65 Tests for England but is now Australia’s batting coach.

Playing for them will be Tim Paine, who played four Tests in 2010, as captain and wicketkeeper for an inexperienced side, including promising Victorian batsman Will Pucovski and Gurinder Sandhu, the right-arm quick.

Cricket Australia XI squad: Jake Carder (WA), Jackson Coleman (Vic), Michael Cormack (SA), Daniel Fallins (NSW), Ryan Gibson (NSW), Nick Larkin (NSW), Simon Milenko (Tas), Tim Paine (Tas), Will Pucovski (Tas), Gurinder Sandhu (NSW), Jason Sangha (NSW), Matthew Short (Vic)