Agency :
Matthew Wade has been named in Australia’s 17-man Ashes squad, continuing a remarkable career turnaround for the Tasmanian. Cameron Bancroft returns to the Test side, as does pacer James Pattinson, who last featured in a Test for Australia back in 2016.
Medium pacer Michael Neser was also picked in the squad named on Friday (July 26), with Australia opting to go in without a second spinner, naming five frontline pacers, with Mitchell Marsh’s medium-pace to assist them. Marsh, who was dropped from all formats during the last Australian summer and missed out on a central contract in April, makes a return. He picked up a five-wicket haul and showcased his skill with the bat in the pre-Ashes game in trying conditions.
“We have chosen 17 players as this gives us the cover and flexibility we believe we will need to ensure we are in good shape throughout a demanding schedule of five Test matches in just over six weeks. We believe the squad is an excellent blend of high-quality batsmen and top-class fast bowlers, plus Nathan Lyon, who we regard as the world’s best off-spinner in all conditions. It is a good mix of all the talents,” said Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns.
“We have had excellent preparations for this series, with eight players from this squad forming part of the Australia A tour that has been in the UK for more than a month, six who took part in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and three who have been playing county cricket. It means the players are acclimatised and ready for the first Test.
“James Pattinson has demanded inclusion after impressing everyone on the Australia A tour with his pace and control, following on from a good season at home for Victoria, and he returns to the Test squad, as does Peter Siddle, who has been in fine form in county cricket for Essex.
Matthew Wade has been named in Australia’s 17-man Ashes squad, continuing a remarkable career turnaround for the Tasmanian. Cameron Bancroft returns to the Test side, as does pacer James Pattinson, who last featured in a Test for Australia back in 2016.
Medium pacer Michael Neser was also picked in the squad named on Friday (July 26), with Australia opting to go in without a second spinner, naming five frontline pacers, with Mitchell Marsh’s medium-pace to assist them. Marsh, who was dropped from all formats during the last Australian summer and missed out on a central contract in April, makes a return. He picked up a five-wicket haul and showcased his skill with the bat in the pre-Ashes game in trying conditions.
“We have chosen 17 players as this gives us the cover and flexibility we believe we will need to ensure we are in good shape throughout a demanding schedule of five Test matches in just over six weeks. We believe the squad is an excellent blend of high-quality batsmen and top-class fast bowlers, plus Nathan Lyon, who we regard as the world’s best off-spinner in all conditions. It is a good mix of all the talents,” said Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns.
“We have had excellent preparations for this series, with eight players from this squad forming part of the Australia A tour that has been in the UK for more than a month, six who took part in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and three who have been playing county cricket. It means the players are acclimatised and ready for the first Test.
“James Pattinson has demanded inclusion after impressing everyone on the Australia A tour with his pace and control, following on from a good season at home for Victoria, and he returns to the Test squad, as does Peter Siddle, who has been in fine form in county cricket for Essex.
