Australian superstar David Warner says the decision to name Marcus Harris as his fellow opener was a call made strictly by the selectors and not him.
Australia’s 15-man squad for the first two Ashes Test matches against England was announced today, with Harris named and expected to open the batting alongside Warner at the Gabba.
Despite making a century in a recent Shield match, it remains to be seen how Harris succeeds on his return to the Test team. In 10 Tests for Australia, Harris has averaged just 23, including an average of just 9.66 in three Ashes Tests.
Following the announcement of the team, Warner was quizzed on whether he was involved in talks with selectors surrounding the decision to pick the Victorian.
“It’s ultimately the selectors’ decision, which it is,” Warner told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“He scored a lot of runs the last three years, he’s had a taste of Test match cricket, he’s a very, very good player.
“We’ve got obviously two left-hand batters opening the batting against a world-class attack, so I know he’ll be pumped. I’m pumped.”
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Today’s squad announcement also saw Usman Khawaja brought back into the fold.
Khawaja and Travis Head are expected to battle it out for the number five spot.
Warner was asked about the situation and said Khawaja would “fit that role” if selected.
“By the sounds of things, it looks quite tight [between Khawaja and Head],” Warner said.
“Having Uzzie around, a good friend of mine – a guy I know who will do a fantastic job.
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“He has a Test match centuries under his belt, he’s a world-class cricketer… captain of his state.
“You couldn’t have a better person to fit that role if he’s selected.”
Khawaja also spoke about the selection headache he’s been caught up in but said his focus is on playing for Queensland at Sheffield Shield level cricket.
“It’s no secret people are talking about Travis Head and myself and I assume that’s where it’s at,” he told 4BC’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“I’m not thinking about it too much. I’m not bothered… I will do whatever I can and need to for Queensland this week, I will focus on that… my focus is literally on there at the moment.
“I’m quite humbled and grateful to be a part of the squad and whatever happens from here will happen.”
Full Ashes squad:
Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
Additional Australia A players:
Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street.