Ashes 2015 build up: A look at Australia's squad

Tags: The Ashes 2015, England, Australia

Published on: Jul 01, 2015

With the Ashes 2015 just days away, we start our build up to the mega event with a series of articles. We begin by looking at Australia's squad

With the Ashes 2015 just days away, we start our build up to the mega event with a series of articles. We begin by looking at Australia's squad for the big series.

Australia had announced their squad for the Ashes immediately after winning the 2015 World Cup. Michael Clarke, who announced his retirement from one-day cricket prior to the final has been retained as the skipper. He will be keen to continue his winning record, knowing well that his time in Test cricket is also nearing its end, owing to his chronic back problem. The 17-man team chosen is a strong squad, which will begin as favourites to defend the title although the series will be played in England.

Adam Voges, who made a sensational Test debut against West Indies, scoring a match-winning century at the age of 35, is also part of the outfit. Voges, who was voted the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year, has scored over 1300 runs in the domestic season at an average exceeding 100. Voges made his one-day debut many seasons back, but never established his place. At 35, he will be able to play only a handful of Tests, and so would be keen to make a mark.

Pakistan-born spinner Fawad Ahmed has also been included in the Ashes squad ahead of Ashton Agar. The latter made his debut the last time Australia were in England, in 2013. He scored a sensational 98 on debut, but failed to impress with the ball, and is being seen as a work in progress. The 33-year Ahmed, on the other hand, has taken 48 wickets in the Sheffield Shield, which includes eight-wicket haul in the final. With Nathan Lyon remaining Australia's frontline spinner, Ahmed is only like to get a chance in case Australia decide to play two spinners or Lyon gets injured.

The battle for the opening spot has gotten interesting, with Shaun Marsh staking his claim with a ton in the practice game. Chris Rogers remains the first-choice to open with David Warner in his farewell series, but with Australia you never know. They are ever ready to spring a surprise. The other Marsh -- Mitchell -- has also staked his claim for the all-rounder's slot with a hundred in the warm-up match. He will be battling with the experienced Shane Watson for a spot in the starting XI. Brad Haddin remains the first-choice keeper, with Peter Nevill as the back up.

The other key members of the squad include in-form batsmen Steve Smith, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and World Cup hero Mitchell Starc.

Australia squad for Ashes 2015: Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith (vc), Fawad Ahmed, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, David Warner, Shane Watson.

The Ashes 2015 schedule

First Test: Cardiff - 8-12 July

Second Test: Lord's - 16-20 July

Third Test: Edgbaston - 29 July - 2 August

Fourth Test: Trent Bridge - 6-10 August

Fifth Test: The Oval - 20-24 August

--By A Cricket Analyst

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