Australia announce Ashes Test Squad
Cricket Australia announced 15 member squad for the first 2 Ashes Tests at home scheduled to be played at Brisbane and Adelaide. Usman Khawaja made a come back in to the team which boasts of usual suspects like David Warner, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon etc. The team will be led by Tim Paine with Pat Cummins as his deputy.
Marcus Harris has been picked as the opening partner for David Warner while leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson was picked as the back up option for Nathan Lyon.
“Marcus has been a consistent run scorer domestically and had a strong winter further developing his game with Leicestershire. He is a good player who will be looking to build a strong partnership with David Warner at the top of the order.”, Chairman of Selectors, George Bailey opined.
Also in the team are Michael Nesser (yet to debut) and Jhye Richardson (2 Tests) – The pace attack is bolstered by the presence of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Captain Tim Paine is the sole wicket-keeper named in the squad.
The selectors have also picked a group of 11 players for the Australia A side with all the selected players set to feature in an intra-squad match from December 1-3 as part of their preparation.
Australia Ashes Test squad (First 2 Tests):
Tim Paine (captain), Pat Cummins (vice-captain), 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
Ashes Schedule:
The first Ashes Test will begin on December 8 at The Gabba, Brisbane while the second Test is scheduled to take place at Adelaide Oval on December 16. The Boxing Day Test will take place as usual on December 26 followed by New Year’s Test at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5. The final Test will take place at Perth Stadium from January 14.
