The Australian cricket team has recalled Usman Khawaja to the squad for Ashes 2021-22. Cricket Australia named a 15-member squad on Tuesday, for the first two Tests. The series commences on December 8 in Brisbane, followed by a D/N test in Adelaide. Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth will host the remaining three tests.
Usman Khawaja has been in brilliant form in the Sheffield Shield this season. Playing for Queensland, he has scored 404 runs in four matches, at an average of 67.33 including two centuries. Khawaja will compete with Travis Head for a spot in the middle order. Australia’s Chairman of selectors, George Bailey asserted that Khawaja is a proven test player. Bailey said,
” 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.”
David Warner and Marcus Harris are likely to take up the opening spots in the team. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will play at number three and four, with the skipper Tim Paine as the wicket-keeper batter. Speaking about Marcus Harris, George Bailey said,
“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.”
The National Selection Panel has named a 15-player squad for the first two matches of the Vodafone Men's #Ashes Series against England!
Tickets: https://t.co/yhYqPqaGFD pic.twitter.com/rDynzKb7rW
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 17, 2021
Excited about what Jhye Richardson brings to the team: George Bailey
The Australian selectors have picked uncapped leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson as a backup for Nathan Lyon. Similarly, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson have been included as backups for the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
“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 George Bailey.
Australia also named a group of 11 players for the Australia A side. They will feature in an intra-squad match from December 1-3 as part of Australia’s preparation for the series.
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
Australia A: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street
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