Ashes 2019: Australia Name Wade, Bancroft In 17-man Test Squad

Wade got a look into the Australian Ashes squad after a remarkable career turnaround for his state side Tasmania. Cameron Bancroft returns to the Test side, as does pacer James Pattinson, who last featured in a Test for Australia back in 2016.

Australia named wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade and opener Cameroon Bancroft in their 17-man squad for the Ashes series against England. Wade got a look into the Australian Ashes squad after a remarkable showing for his state side Tasmania in the domestic season. 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 going ahead without a second spinner, including five frontline pacers in a seam heavy squad. Mitchell 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. "Josh Hazlewood comes back after missing the Sri Lanka Test series and the ICC Cricket World Cup as he recovered from a back injury and James, Peter and Josh, plus Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Michael Neser form a strong seam attack, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh also returning to the squad after impressing with bat and ball on the Australia A tour." Australia's Squad for Ashes 2019: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Patrick Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner