Veterans George Bailey and Mitchell Johnson have been included in the Australian team set to take on England in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane later this month.
The Australian side was announced on Tuesday with both the questionable health of Michael Clarke and Shane Watson declared certainties to take on England.
Bailey and Johnson made the cut a day after captain Clarke declared Australia’s list was essentially already set with just one or two question marks remaining.
Bailey beat out Tasmanian teammate Alex Doolan and becomes the oldest Aussie batsman to make his Test debut, despite averaging just 18 run per during last season’s Sheffield Shield competition.
“It’s just good form, so just hit the ball,” Bailey said during the televised press conference. “It’s the same approach and I feel very comfortable with where I’m at at the moment. I’m as excited as anyone to find out how I measure up.”
Bailey captained Australia’s recent one-day series against India and averaged an astounding 95.6 with the bat and scored 34 and 41 last week in Sheffield Shield action.
Johnson rejoins the Australian team after being overlooked for the English summer Ashes tour while James Faulkner is 12th man.
The 32-year-old will be taking part in his third Ashes series and replaces the injured Mitchell Starc.
Clarke has been battling back issues for most of the season while Watson suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month.
Having lost four of the past five Ashes series, the significance of this summer’s tour is not lost on the current side.
“It’s obviously a huge summer for us, there’s no doubt about it,” Australia captain Clarke told reporters. “I think it’s great for cricket that we have an opportunity to play another Ashes series so quickly.”
Australian Ashes Squad
David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner.
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