Cricket Australia has announced a 15-man squad for the first two Tests of this summer’s Ashes. Left-handed datter Usman Khawaja has earned a recall along with right-arm pacer Jhye Richardson.
The Ashes series will begin from December 8 on Khawaja’s home ground at the Gabba in Brisbane. The 34-year-old was last seen in action for Australia in the 2019 Ashes series and has been in run-scoring form for Queensland in domestic cricket.
The Chairman of Selectors, George Bailey, said that Khawaja has been in great touch. Bailey added that the southpaw brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting line-up.
“Similarly, 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 Test level. He also has the ability to bat across a range of positions in the batting order,” said Bailey, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Khawaja has played 12 Tests against England with an average of 30, but that improves to 43.44 in six Ashes Tests on home soil.
Apart from Khawaja, Bailey also praised Richardson for concentrating on red-ball cricket and added that he brings an exceptional skillset to the team.
“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 his body is back on track,” said Bailey.
Mitchael Marsh, the hero of Australia’s eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021, failed to make a cut in the 15-member squad. Instead, the selectors backed Cameron Green for all-rounder’s role.
Australia squad for first two Ashes Test:
David Warner, Marcus Harris, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Tim Paine, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser.
