Ashes 2019: Australia announce 12-man squad for Manchester Test; Mitchell Starc included

The 2019 edition of the Ashes is well and truly alive. After three riveting encounters between hosts England and Australia at the Edgbaston, Lord’s and Headingley, the series is currently level at 1-1. The Aussies had every chance of taking a 2-0 lead in the Leeds Test, but a man by the name of Ben Stokes soared above expectations and carved a one-wicket victory for the Three Lions.

The fourth and penultimate game of the series is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, September 4 at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The game is crucial for the reason that whichever team manages to win will take an unassailable lead in the series. In the meantime, the visitors, captained by Tim Paine, have named a 12-man squad for the upcoming encounter.

James Pattinson rested, Steve Smith makes a comeback

Mitchell Starc, who’s yet to play a match in the series, made his way into the squad. In the previous Test, the Aussies lacked someone, who can deliver the killer blows and Starc has the ability to bowl the yorkers consistently. James Pattinson has also been given some rest. Earlier, Paine stated that the speedster staying fit is important for them and his workload needs to be managed.

Steve Smith has recovered from the concussion and he’s been included as well. However, Marnus Labuschagne, who was roped in as Smith’s substitute in the Lord’s Test, retained his spot. The same is for the reason that he has notched half-centuries in all the three innings he has played. Meanwhile, the axe came down on Usman Khawaja, who hasn’t had a good time thus far.

The southpaw has scored only 122 runs at an average of 20.33 with a top score of 40. Justin Langer, the Australian head coach, sounded confident about his team’s chances. “Now we’ve got to work out what we’re going to do, and use that as fire. We’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and let it slip,” he mentioned. Australia are looking to win their first overseas Ashes after 18 years.

Here is Australia’s 12-man squad: 

David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (C & WK), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

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