Ashes: Australia include Usman Khawaja in15-man squad for first two England Tests

Usman Khawaja averages 40.66 and hit eight centuries in his Test career

Australia have named a 15-man squad for the first two Ashes Tests against England.

Mitchell Marsh, who scored a match-winning innings in the T20 World Cup final, has not been selected.

The first Test is in Brisbane on 8 December, before a day-night match in Adelaide on 16 December.

Khawaja is set to battle Travis Head for the middle order role, while opening batsman Marcus Harris is also included.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been selected alongside leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and paceman Michael Neser.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade is not included, while batsman Will Pucovski also misses out as he he recovers from concussion symptoms.

• England name strong squad for Ashes

George Bailey, national selection panel chair, said: "After an extended break between Test matches we are looking to build a strong squad mentality across what is an incredibly exciting summer of cricket.

"This group is well balanced to ensure we are prepared for the many challenges of an Ashes series. It has a mix of experienced, proven performers and emerging, developing talent.

"We will take this 15-player squad into the opening Test in Brisbane and the pink ball match in Adelaide, after which we can reassess for the remaining matches."

Squad

Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Steve Smith, David Warner.

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