Usman Khawaja and Jhye Richardson recalled as Australia name Ashes squad

Uncapped duo Michael Neser and Mitchell Swepson are included in the 15-man squad while T20 World Cup hero Mitchell Marsh has been selected for Australia A

Australia have named their 15-man squad for the first two matches of the 2021-22 Ashes, with Usman Khawaja and Jhye Richardson both earning recalls to the Test side.

Khawaja, whose most recent Test appearance came during the 2019 Ashes, is the leading run-scorer in this season’s Sheffield Shield (Australia’s domestic red-ball competition), scoring 404 runs in six innings for Queensland. He will likely compete with Travis Head for a spot in the middle-order behind David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

Fast bowler Richardson, who made two Test appearances against Sri Lanka in 2019, will challenge for a spot in Australia’s pace attack alongside usual suspects Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and vice-captain Pat Cummins.  

Tim Paine is set to captain the side despite not playing a game this season after undergoing neck surgery in September while Mitchell Swepson has been selected as a back-up spinner behind Nathan Lyon.

Allrounders Cameron Green and Michael Neser complete the squad, with Neser and Swepson the only selected players yet to make their Test debuts.

^{Tim Paine is set to captain Australia despite not playing a match this season}

George Bailey, chairing Australia’s selection panel, said: "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. 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."

Explaining certain selections, he continued: "Jhye [Richardson] 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.

"Marcus [Harris] 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.

"Travis [Head] 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. Similarly, Usman Khawaja has been in great touch. He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting line up 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."

An 11-man Australia A squad has also been named, with T20 World Cup winners Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Ashton Agar included alongside Alex Carey, Sean Abbott and Mark Steketee, all of whom were selected in the main squad for the postponed South Africa tour earlier in the year.

The Ashes is scheduled to begin on December 8 in Brisbane.

Australia 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 squad: 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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