Australia announced a 15-man squad for the first two Ashes Tests against England. They have recalled Usman Khawaja, who last featured in a Test match in August 2019, when Australia retained the Ashes with a 2-2 draw in England.
Khawaja, the leading run-scorer in the Marsh Cup this season, will have to battle Travis Head for a place in the middle order, while Marcus Harris will open with David Warner. Among bowlers, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Swepson and Michael Neser have also made the cut.
However, Mitchell Marsh, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup final, has not been picked. Cameron Green has been selected as the all-rounder.
Despite not having played a game this season due to recent neck surgery, Tim Paine will lead the side. He is likely to return this weekend for Hobart in Premier Cricket.
The first Test will be played in Brisbane from 8 December, and it will be followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, from 16 December.
Australia's Ashes squad for first two Tests: Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Steven Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Swepson.