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Sydney: Australia announced named for the Ashes test series against England in July and August this year.
Commenting on the Ashes squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: "There is no bigger series or rivalry in world cricket than the Ashes and the NSP has picked a squad of 16 that will give us the best possible chance of winning in English conditions."
"We are under no illusion that this is going to be a huge challenge and we certainly go into it as underdogs with England playing very good cricket with an experienced and settled team that plays well at home," he added.
In saying that, this squad will be very competitive and fight hard every inch of the way. We have high expectations of this team and if they play to their potential we feel we can mount a very strong challenge.
"You will immediately see that Brad Haddin has come in as vice-captain. The CA Board approved the NSP's recommendation that Brad take up the vice-captaincy. As the case with the awarding of player contracts, Michael Clarke was not part of the decision to recommend Brad. Having said that, Michael absolutely supports the NSP and the Board's decision to appoint Brad as the new vice-captain of the Test team.
In regards to the vice-captaincy, we feel it's important to have a senior, seasoned player support Michael at this time. When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void.
Matthew Wade is a very good cricketer and remains central to our plans for the future.
Nathan Lyon is the only spin bowler selected but we will be keeping a close eye on others in case another spinner is required.
The tour to India was very demanding and a learning experience for all. The result was unacceptable and the players, coaches, support staff and NSP are smarting from those performances and are galvanised to ensure that we play tough, competitive cricket throughout the Ashes.
Shane Watson is on track and very keen to bowl during the series and we look forward to his all-round contribution. Without the extra burden of the vice-captaincy, he will be able to focus 100% on his batting and bowling.
The ICC Champions Trophy squad will be announced at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence in Brisbane next Wednesday, 1 May.
Australia squad VB tour of England
