Usman Khawaja and Travis Head were included in Australia’s squad for the opening two Ashes Tests against England on Wednesday. Uncapped Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson have been added to the 15-man squad as the back-up for the fast-bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. The selectors have also named uncapped leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson as Nathan Lyon’s backup.
Marcus Harris has been selected in the absence of concussion-hit Will Pucovski. He is set to open alongside David Warner in the first test at Brisbane on December 8. (https://emdrprofessionaltraining.com) Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are likely to bat at three and four, leaving Khawaja and Head to battle for the number five slot. It is a huge season for all-rounder Chris Green, who is most likely to bat at No.6 followed by captain Tim Paine at No.7.
“This group has a mix of experienced, proven performers and emerging, developing talent. Jhye is seeing the rewards of concentrating on his red-ball cricket in the build-up to this series. We know he has an exceptional skill set. And are excited about what he brings to the team now that his body is back on track,” said chief selector George Bailey.
Usman Khawaja has been in great touch: George Bailey
Khawaja, who has played 44 Tests, had been out of the team since the 2019 Ashes in England. The Queensland captain showed terrific form in the Sheffield Shield and it was hard to ignore him. The 34-year-old scored 404 runs this season, at an average of 67.33, and made a strong case for selection.
“Usman Khawaja has been in great touch. He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting lineup and is a proven run-scorer at the Test level. He also has the ability to bat across a range of positions in the batting order,” said Bailey.
“Travis finished last summer strongly, second only to Cameron Green for runs scored, and has again started the season well. He drives the game forward and can put the opposition under pressure with his ability to score quickly. Marcus has been a consistent run-scorer domestically and had a strong winter further developing his game with Leicestershire. He is a good player. And will be looking to build a strong partnership with David Warner at the top of the order.” he added
Australia’s Ashes squad
Tim Paine (C), Pat Cummins (VC), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Australia A players: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street