Usman Khawaja is on the cusp of a Test recall after being included in Australia’s 15-man Ashes squad alongside Travis Head.
A clash involving Australia and Australia A players in Brisbane on December 1-3 will likely resolve whether Khawaja or Head get the nod to bat at No.5 for the first Test against England.
Australia’s XI for the series opener at the Gabba, which begins on December 8, is otherwise settled unless any injuries occur in coming weeks.
Incumbent Test opener Marcus Harris is set to partner David Warner after being included in the squad for the first Test and ensuing pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval.
Jhye Richardson looms as the most likely paceman to step up should selectors decide that one of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc isn’t physically ready for the first Test.
Richardson, uncapped fast bowler Michael Neser and legspinner Mitchell Swepson were all named in the 15-man Test squad.
Khawaja hasn’t played for Australia since being dropped during the 2019 Ashes.
But the 34-year-old has exhibited impressive form at the start of this Sheffield Shield season, including a knock of 174 at Adelaide Oval.
“Usman Khawaja has been in great touch. He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting line-up and is a proven run-scorer at Test level,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“He also has the ability to bat across a range of positions in the batting order.
“Travis finished last summer strongly, second only to Cameron Green for runs scored, and has again started the season well.
“He drives the game forward and can put the opposition under pressure with his ability to score quickly.”
Bailey said the retention of Harris in the squad was a reward for being “a consistent run-scorer domestically” who “had a strong winter further developing his game with Leicestershire”.
“He is a good player who will be looking to build a strong partnership with David Warner at the top of the order,” Bailey said.
Neser has returned to training after a minor hamstring strain.
Twenty20 World Cup hero Mitch Marsh missed the cut, but was included alongside Ashton Agar and Josh Inglis on an extended list of Australia A players for the intra-squad game.
Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee and Bryce Street are also in the mix to take on Test superstars in Australia’s Ashes tune-up at Peter Burge Oval.
Australia’s 15-man Test squad
David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson.
Australia A top-up players for tour game
Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street.
AAP
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