Australia’s left-handed batter Usman Khawaja has been recalled to the 15-man Test squad and could get a shot at England in the Ashes. He hasn’t played for his country since being dropped during the 2019 Ashes series. However, he has been scoring runs for Queensland in domestic cricket.

In the squad, he could give a tough fight to Travis Head for a spot in the middle order.

The Ashes series starts December 8 on Khawaja’s home ground at the Gabba. Australia will play an internal trial at another Brisbane venue from December 1-3, leaving enough time for members of victorious Twenty20 World Cup squad to undergo a 14-day quarantine under COVID-19 pandemic protocols.

George Bailey, Australia selector, said that the left-handed batter had been in ‘great touch’ in the Sheffield Shield. He averages almost 41 per innings and has 8 centuries in 44 Tests.

“He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting lineup and is a proven run-scorer at test level,” Bailey said. “He also has the ability to bat across a range of positions.”

Marcus Harris is likely to remain David Warner’s opening partner, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith at Nos. 3 and 4 in a squad led by wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will be backed up by Jhye Richardson and uncapped Michael Neser, while legspinner Mitchell Swepson has been included as well as veteran offspinner Nathan Lyon.

As for Mitch Marsh, who was the star in Australia’s 8-wicket winning final against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup, missed out on a chance as Cameron Green was selected over him.

But Marsh has been included in an A squad, giving him the chance to prove his test credentials in the trial match early next month.

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

Australia A: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street.

(with inputs from Associated Press)