Bailey, Johnson named in Ashes squad
Batsman George Bailey and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson have been included in Australia's squad for the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on 21 November.
Batsman George Bailey and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson have been included in Australia's squad for the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on 21 November.
All-rounder Shane Watson has been selected despite a hamstring injury sustained during the limited-overs tour of India recently, while the veteran Brad Haddin has again beaten the talented Matthew Wade to the wicketkeeper-batsman berth.
Johnson was overlooked for the tour of England earlier this year, but has garnered a sound stretch of form at first-class level lately. Bailey, meanwhile, has been rewarded with a maiden Test call-up on the back of an impressive string of performances during the limited-overs series against the Indians.
"Mitchell has been bowling impressively in recent times. He has good rhythm and is generating good pace," said national selector John Inverarity. "10 players who represented Australia in the most recent Test match have been retained in this squad.
"Mitchell Starc is unavailable due to injury and he has been replaced by Mitchell Johnson. We have included George in this line-up and are excited by what he can offer at Test level.
"George has shown outstanding international form over the past 20 months, including the recent limited-overs series in India. He is calm and composed and comes into the squad full of confidence.
All-rounder James Faulkner and batsman Steven Smith have been retained, while slow bowler Nathan Lyon was picked ahead of Pakistan-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed.
"James has retained his place in the squad, and his all-round development over the past five months has been most noticeable and pleasing," concluded Inverarity.
<b>Squad:</b> Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steven Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin (wicketkeeper, vice-captain), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon.
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