SYDNEY (Australia): Veteran Usman Khawaja and middle-order batsman Travis Head were included in Australia’s squad for the opening two Ashes Tests against England Wednesday.
Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson also made the 15-man line-up as back-up for the fast-bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after the shock retirement of James Pattinson last month.
Marcus Harris, as expected, got the nod in the absence of concussion-hit Will Pucovski and is set to open alongside David Warner, fresh from his exploits in helping Australia win the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday.
But there was no place for fellow World Cup standout Mitchell Marsh, despite calls for the all-rounder to be given another chance at Test level.
Australia also announced an 11-man A team, with players on standby for consideration for the third Test and beyond.
Ashes squad for first two Tests: Tim Paine (captain), Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Australia A: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street
