Days after Australia announced their squad, handing comebacks to Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, news came out that captain Tim Paine decided to step down from the role, following the emergence of an off-field scandal. Australia have not named a captain yet, although vice-captain Pat Cummins is a frontrunner to the post.

Khawaja earned a recall after spending over two years out of the team, having been benched midway through the 2019 Ashes. With Matthew Wade overlooked, a spot in the middle order has opened, and it’s set to be a face-off between Khawaja and Head for the position.

In the spin department, Australia have named Nathan Lyon alongside Mitchell Swepson, while the pace cabinet is amply stocked with Cummins combining with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser following them.

Marcus Harris has been short on runs in the recent past but is set to open alongside David Warner, come the first Test on December 8.

The sole all-rounder’s spot belongs to Cameron Green, who pipped World Cup hero Mitchell Marsh to make it to the final 17.

Ashes 2021/22 schedule: The full list of fixtures for the series can be found here.

Australia v England, Ashes 2021/22: Full Australia squad

Batters: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja

All-rounders: Cameron Green

Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson