Cricket Australia have announced their 15-man squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming Ashes series with one change. After Tim Paine opting out of the series due to recent sexting controversy, Alex Carey has been assigned as his replacement for the first two Tests of the five-match series. Carey was rated above rising Aussie talent Jos Inglis and their ICC T20 World Cup semi-final hero Matthew Wade. The Austraian team will be led by their new captain Pat Cummins who will be the 47th captain of the Australia men’s cricket team.
‘Incredibly humbled by this opportunity
“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It’s an exciting build-up for what is a huge series ahead. My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia secure the Ashes. This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor, and mate, my mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister, and all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud,” said Carey in a release.
A week left for the Ashes
Australia will be hosting England for the Ashes this summer. The first test will commence on December 8, 2021 at the Gabba, Brisbane. The next match will be played at Adelaide, followed by Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Currently, Australia have the urn and England would be looking to regain the ashes under Joe Root's leadership with star all-rounder Ben Stokes making a comeback..
Australia’s squad for the Ashes: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
