Ashes 2021: Australia recall Usman Khawaja to squad, uncapped Michael Neser and Mitchell Swepson also included

Batsman Usman Khawaja has been recalled to Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes and will duel with Travis Head for the middle order spot vacated by Matthew Wade. Khawaja, who has played 44 tests, had been ignored by selectors since being dropped during the 2019 Ashes but the Queensland captain has made a strong case for selection with back-to-back centuries in the Sheffield Shield last month.

“Usman Khawaja has been in great touch,” said selector George Bailey. “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.”

Uncapped Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson are the back-up pacemen in the 15-man squad for the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide. “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 that his body is back on track,” Bailey said.

Australia's squad for the first two #Ashes Tests has been confirmed [?] pic.twitter.com/HMmM6zagdw — ICC (@ICC) November 17, 2021

Neser had returned to training following a minor hamstring strain to retain his place in the squad, the team said in a statement. Uncapped leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson has been included as the reserve slow bowler behind regular Nathan Lyon.

Marcus Harris will open with David Warner after recently being confirmed in the slot by Bailey. There was no place for young opener Will Pucovski, who has struggled with concussion issues in the leadup, or all-rounder Mitchell Marsh despite his recent match-winning performance at the T20 World Cup.

The first Test starts on December 8 in Brisbane before the second pink ball Test at Adelaide Oval from December 16. The Test series will be Australia’s first since losing 2-1 to India during the last home summer.

Squad: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Steve Smith, David Warner.

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