Australia batter Usman Khawaja will be expecting to make the XI in the Ashes after being picked in the 15-man squad by George Bailey this fortnight.

The left-hander, who dropped down in the pecking order following the omission during the 2019 Ashes, has been scoring in bulk for Queensland in domestic cricket. He averages almost 41 and has eight centuries in 44 Tests.

“He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting lineup and is a proven run-scorer at Test level. He can bat across a range of positions,” said Bailey about the 34-year-old cricketer.

Mitchell Marsh, who was the hero for Australia in the T20 World Cup triumph, missed out on the all-rounder’s spot as the selectors retained Cameron Green. But Marsh will be looking to continue the rich vein of form for the ‘A’ squad. One good knock in the trial match will bring him under the Test radar again.