UNCAPPED batsman George Bailey and pace bowler Mitchell Johnson have been named in Australia’s 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England. Bailey, 31, edged out fellow Tasmanian Alex Doolan after impressing as stand-in captain of Australia’s one-day team.
Left-armer Johnson, 32, was dropped for Australia’s 3-0 Ashes defeat in England this summer, but showed good form in the one-day series in September.
The first of five Tests starts in Brisbane on 21 November.
Injured left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc is the only absentee from the Australia XI that played in the final Ashes Test at The Oval in August.
James Faulkner keeps his place, while fellow all-rounder Shane Watson is included despite a hamstring injury that may prevent him from bowling.
Bailey has a modest first-class average of 38.28 from 97 games, but has been a revelation for Australia in the 50-over format, and captains the Twenty20 side.
In 35 matches, he has scored 1,539 runs at 54.96, including four scores in excess of 80 in the recent one-day series defeat by India.
“We have included George Bailey in this line-up and are excited by what he can offer at Test level,” said Cricket Australia national selector John Inverarity.
“George has shown outstanding international form over the past 20 months. He is calm and composed and comes into the squad full of confidence.
Alastair Cook’s team are seeking to become the first England side since 1890 to win four Ashes series in a row.
Australia are unbeaten in 24 Tests in Brisbane, their last defeat coming against West Indies in 1988.
Australia squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin (vice-captain, wk), George Bailey, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson. (BBC Sport)