Monday, 20 November 2017:
THE AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR OPENING TWO ASHES TESTS
DAVID WARNER
Age: 31
Tests: 66
Ashes Tests: 13
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
Test batting average: 47.94
Ashes batting average: 44.95
Blasted a century before lunch on day one of his most recent Test on Australian soil. The vice-captain has vowed to be more vocal on the field and has already put plenty of English noses out of joint with some pre-series comments.
CAMERON BANCROFT
Age: 25
Tests: 0
Ashes Tests: 0
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: N/A
Ashes batting average: N/A
Demanded selection with a couple of impressive knocks in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield, including two half-centuries against NSW's Test attack. Puts a high price on his wicket.
USMAN KHAWAJA
Age: 30
Tests: 24
Ashes Tests: 4
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
Test batting average: 45.47
Ashes batting average: 21.5
Woes on the subcontinent are well documented but his past two summers at home have been something special. Notably became the first Australian to score a day-night Test ton last year.
STEVE SMITH
Age: 28
Tests: 56
Ashes Tests: 18
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: 59.66
Ashes batting average: 43.19
The best batsman in the world according to the International Cricket Council's rankings and many good judges. Has relished the responsibility of captaincy, scoring 12 Test tons as skipper, and will be arguably the most important player in Australia's bid to regain the urn.
PETER HANDSCOMB
Age: 26
Tests: 10
Ashes Tests: 0
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: 53.07
Ashes batting average: N/A
Blooded as part of last year's overhaul of the XI. Has acquitted himself well, including a stoic knock of 82 in Bangladesh during which he dropped 4.5 kilograms and was left dizzy and dry retching because of oppressive heat.
SHAUN MARSH
Age: 34
Tests: 23
Ashes Tests: 1
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
Test batting average: 36.00
Ashes batting average: 1
The much-maligned veteran has been recalled to the Test XI for an eighth time. Will be desperate to prove he belongs, having produced a mix of wonderful and woeful innings during his previous stints.
TIM PAINE
Age: 32
Tests: 4
Ashes Tests: 0
Playing role: Right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman
Test batting average: 35.87
Ashes batting average: N/A
A left-field selection bombshell, having rarely kept for his state during the past year. A feel-good story, having overcome a recurring finger injury that threatened to end his career, but the pressure will be immense if he errs.
MITCHELL STARC
Age: 27
Tests: 36
Ashes Tests: 8
Playing role: Left-arm paceman
Test bowling average: 28.35
Ashes bowling average: 31.24
Will spearhead the pace attack and aim to re-enact namesake Mitchell Johnson's heroics of four years ago. Snared two hat-tricks in his most recent match, bowling NSW to a Sheffield Shield win.
PAT CUMMINS
Age: 24
Tests: 5
Ashes Tests: 0
Playing role: Right-arm paceman
Test bowling average: 25.38
Ashes bowling average: N/A
A series of serious setbacks meant his stint in Test wilderness lasted almost six years following a stellar debut at age 18. Returned to the XI earlier this year and is set to finally play his first home Test.
NATHAN LYON
Age: 30
Tests: 69
Ashes Tests: 13
Playing role: Right-arm offbreak bowler
Test bowling average: 31.83
Ashes bowling average: 29.84
Excelled on tours of India and Bangladesh earlier this year, overtaking Richie Benaud to become the second-most potent spinner on Australia's list of wicket-takers.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD
Age: 26
Tests: 31
Ashes Tests: 4
Playing role: Right-arm paceman
Test bowling average: 25.75
Ashes bowling average: 25.75
Arguably the most important member of the attack because of his control and consistency. Has overcome a side strain to take his place in the XI.
JACKSON BIRD
Age: 30
Tests: 8
Ashes Tests: 1
Playing role: Right-arm paceman
Test bowling average: 27.47
Ashes bowling average: 62.50
Likely to be recalled if any of the incumbent quicks suffer a setback but will be on drinks duty the entire summer if things go to plan for the hosts.
CHADD SAYERS
Age: 30
Tests: 0
Ashes Tests: 0
Playing role: Right-arm paceman
Test bowling average: N/A
Ashes bowling average: N/A
If Starc, Hazlewood or Cummins is cooked then the South Australian swing specialist could make his debut at home in the day-night Test.
