Several 'Big' Names Return as Australia Name Squad For WTC Final and First Two Ashes Tests
Mitchell Marsh in action [Source: Twitter]
In a significant development, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a strong 17-member men's squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final and the first two Ashes Tests. Pat Cummins continues to lead Australia in red-ball cricket, with Steve Smith being his deputy.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has made a comeback into the squad after being out due to injury. Marcus Harris also returns to the side as a backup opener for David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
Batting will once again revolve around Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been named as the reserve wicket-keeper, with Alex Carey likely to be preferred for the keeping duties.
The pace department will be spearheaded by the likes of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Marsh will be added support. The spinning duties will be handled by Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy.
The squad will assemble in England in late May and will be shortened to 15-man as per ICC rule for the WTC Final against India, beginning June 6 at The Oval.
The selectors will pick the Australian squad for the remaining three Ashes 2023 Tests after the completion of the Edgbaston and Lord's encounters.
Here's what George Bailey said
"The World Test Championship is the culmination of more than two years of consistent performance at Test level by the team and the individuals involved, leading into an Ashes series which is always highly anticipated."
Australia squad for WTC Final and first two Ashes Tests
Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, and David Warner
 "Vishal Mehra")
