Ashes: Australia name unchanged 15-man squad for the remainder of series

Cricket Australia has named an unchanged 15-man squad for the remainder of the ongoing Ashes series.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood who missed the ongoing second Test match at Adelaide will be expected to return for the Boxing Day Test match.

Pat Cummins missed the second Test match due to a Covid-19 scare and he will be available for the third Test match after testing negative. Cummins will complete his isolation before the third Test match.

Josh Hazlewood also missed the second Test match at Adelaide due to a side strain. Thus, both of these experienced bowlers are expected to make a comeback in the third Test.

Mitchell Starc could be doubtful for the upcoming match due to a back injury. Starc had felt some discomfort while batting in the second innings of the Adelaide Test match. Thus, one bowler out of Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser could be part of the final XI in the third Test match if Starc is ruled out.

Australia had taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series as they had won the opening Test match convincingly by nine wickets. The home side is now three wickets away from winning the second Test match and taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

Australia would look to continue their domination in the series while England will have to play out of their skin to make a comeback in the series. The hosts have ticked the right boxes while England hasn’t been able to come up with a collective effort thus far in the series and they will need to turn the tables.

The third Test match will be the Boxing Day Test and will be played at the MCG.

Australia squad for remaining three Tests: Pat Cummins (capt), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.