Picture Credit: Twitter
With Ashes only a few days away, Cricket Australia have confirmed a 15-member squad for the first two Tests against England. The biggest highlight from the squad announcement is Alex Carey’s maiden call-up. Cricket Australia confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batsman will be making his Test debut with the Ashes, starting December 8.
Notably, Usman Khawaja and Jhye Richardson have also earned a recall in Australia’s Test squad. Other than the left-handed top-order batter, Mitchell Swepson and Marcus Harris have also made it to the side that will host England.
Pat Cummins to lead the side after Tim Paine’s taking an indefinite break from the sport
Notably, former Australia Test captain Tim Paine is set to miss the upcoming Ashes series after he announced of taking an indefinite break from the sport. His decision to take a break citing ‘mental health’ came a week after he stepped down as the captain for the side.
Notably, Tim Paine had stepped down as Australia’s Test skipper last week following revelations of a ‘sexting’ incident. Paine was accused of inappropriate conduct by a former Cricket Tasmania employee.
Meanwhile, Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been appointed as the 47th captain for the Test team. Cummins was earlier named the vice-captain for the Ashes series but has been elevated after the consent of the board.
In addition, Steve Smith has been named as his deputy for the five-match Ashes series.
Australia's Ashes squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
