Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced a 17-man squad for the upcoming Vodafone Ashes Series against England with the first Test beginning on 25 November in Brisbane.

The 17 man squad is:

                                      State                     Age

Ricky Ponting (c)              TAS                       36                          

Michael Clarke (vc)            NSW                      29

Doug Bollinger                   NSW                      29

Xavier Doherty                  TAS                        27

Callum Ferguson                SA                         25

Brad Haddin                       NSW                      33

Ryan Harris                         QLD                      31

Nathan Hauritz                   NSW                        29

Mike Hussey                       WA                         35

Ben Hilfenhaus                    TAS                        27

Mitchell Johnson                 WA                         29

Simon Katich                       NSW                      35

Usman Khawaja                    NSW                      23

Marcus North                       WA                         31

Peter Siddle                       VIC                         25

Steven Smith                       NSW                      21

Shane Watson                     NSW                      29

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“The NSP considers it prudent and appropriate to look at the next round of Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield games and the Australia A clash before finalising the team for the first Test of the Vodafone Ashes Series in Brisbane. From a logistical point of view and with these important games yet to be completed we have named an extended squad of 17 with 10 days before the first Test begins.

“This squad of 17 will be reduced to a 12 or 13-man squad at the conclusion of the next round of Sheffield Shield games and prior to the team arriving in Brisbane for the first Test.

“The NSP has been pleased with the performance of the Test side in India however we were obviously disappointed in the result. With two losses in games where we felt the result could easily have been different and we realise there are some important areas we need to improve on before this summer’s matches.

“Nathan Hauritz has performed exceptionally well over the past 12 months for Australia and one of the biggest decisions we will need to make is whether we go into the first Test in Brisbane with a right-arm off spinner or with the variation of a left-arm orthodox bowler.

“Xavier Doherty has been very impressive in both limited overs and first-class cricket, in particular last season and the start of this season, and it will be a great opportunity for us to observe both of the spinning options in the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Tasmania at the SCG this week.

“Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson have both enjoyed extremely good interstate seasons for New South Wales and South Australia respectively and richly deserve the opportunity to be considered for selection in this first Test side. The Australia A game against England in Hobart this week is a particularly important aspect of our preparation for what will be an amazing Ashes series.”

Australian Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: 

“Michael Clarke experienced back stiffness during the recently completed Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales. He is expected to recover in time to join the team in Brisbane on 21 November to prepare for the first Ashes Test match.

“Ryan Harris has a chronic knee injury that requires ongoing management. As such he will not play in the next round of Sheffield Shield games or for Australia A starting 17 November to allow his knee to fully recover. His availability for the first Ashes Test will determined later this week.

“Simon Katich and Doug Bollinger both played grade games on the weekend and managed to get through without any problem. They will both be available to play the Sheffield Shield game for NSW starting on 17 November.”