The veteran Australian opener, David Warner has been included in the 17-member squad for the World Test Championship final and first two Ashes Tests. However, the selectors have also called up Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw to keep their options at the top of the order. Warner witnessed a touch patch as he was sidelined in India due to an elbow injury. However, there is no place for Sheffield Shield top-scorer Cameron Bancroft and its second-highest wicket-taker Michael Neser.
Talking to the reporters, as per the quotes in cricket.com.au., chief selector, George Bailey said, “He’s invested and wants to make sure that we finish off what’s been a really consistent couple of years on the Test front and help us win that World Test Championship, then shift that focus to the Ashes.”
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He further added, “The World Test Championship is the culmination of more than two years of consistent performance at Test level by the team and the individuals involved, leading into an Ashes series which is always highly anticipated. The UK is a very different assignment from our most recent tour of India and some of the changes are based upon the conditions we are anticipating.”
Australia have named their squad for the WTC Final and first two Ashes Tests!#WTCFinal #Ashes
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 19, 2023
George Bailey concluded by saying, Marcus, Josh, and Mitch return to the squad and will provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skill sets. We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC Final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour.”
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Marcus Harris played his last Test during the Ashes series in 2021/22 after his place as Warner’s opening partner was taken by Usman Khawaja. Marsh, on the other hand, returned to the Test squad for the first time since the 2019 Ashes series as a backup to Cameron Green, while Inglis was also included as a backup wicketkeeper for Alex Carey.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
