Usman Khawaja forces his way into the Australian Ashes squad

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Usman Khawaja, the left-handed batter has forced his way into the Australian side after a resounding domestic season this year in which he has hit two centuries and a fifty in six innings. However, he would not be competing for his usual opening position in the team, but would rather be opening for a middle-order spot vacated by Matthew Wade. 

Among other notable entrants in the Australian Ashes squad announced on November 17 are Marcus Harris, who will be opening the batting with David Warner and Jhye Richardson whose fast bowling form has finally given him an opportunity to finally get in tune with Test cricket in which he has played two games so far. 

The squad has been named for only the first two of the five Tests. The two Tests would be played at Gabba and Adelaide and the Test at Adelaide Oval would be a Day/Night Test.

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

Even without having played a single game this season, Tim Paine has remained the leader of this group and will be taking part in Tasmania second XI game as well as a Premier Cricket game to get back in touch before the Intrasquad games which will be played between Australia and Australia A

The national selection panel have also named Australia A squad to take part in a three-day internal practice game against the Test squad in Brisbane from December 1. Post that the A squad will play a four-day game against England Lions from December 9.

England Lions are touring Australia at the same time as England and will be playing against the English side to give them much needed practice. 

Australia A players

Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street

"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,” George Bailey said in a media interaction after the announcement. 

Speaking about the inclusion of Khawaja, the former Australia captain 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 in the batting order."

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