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Usman Khawaja’s overpowering ongoing form has won him a recall to Australia’s 15-man squad for the beginning of the Ashes, and possibly into a fight with Travis Head for the empty batting compartment heading into the initial two Tests against England in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head are competing for the middle-order role emptied by Matthew Wade in a squad that affirms Marcus Harris as David Warner’s initial accomplice and leggie Mitchell Swepson as back-up spinner close by five pace bowlers and allrounder Cameron Green.
Australia’s Ashes squad: Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
“This group is well balanced to ensure we are prepared for the many challenges of an Ashes Series. It has a mix of experienced, proven performers and emerging, developing talent,” said Bailey.
“We will take this 15-player squad into the opening Test in Brisbane and the pink ball match in Adelaide, after which we can reassess for the remaining matches.”
Tim Paine will lead the Australian side notwithstanding not having played a game this season because of late neck surgery, in spite of the fact that he is relied upon to turn out in Premier Cricket in Hobart this end of the week followed by a four-day second XI counterpart for Tasmania against South Australia days after.
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