Australia have named an unchanged squad for the remaining three Tests of the Ashes series, giving the strongest indication yet over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood.
The injured quick is among the 15-man squad, with Australia staying the course after a fantastic start to the summer.
Whether or not Hazlewood has recovered from a side strain in time for Boxing Day is up in the air, but the likes of Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson have filled in admirably.
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The only real question mark in terms of form is under-fire opener Marcus Harris, who has struggled at both the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval, despite Australia’s comfortable results.
Usman Khawaja, who lost out to Travis Head in the battle for the No.5 spot, remains in the squad and is many people’s choice to face the new ball on December 26.
The selection paid immediate dividends, with Head named man of the match in Brisbane for his superb 152 in Australia’s first innings.
But Khawaja may come into the team for Harris, who has made just 38 runs in his four innings so far this year – albeit one was unbeaten in Australia’s miniscule Gabba run chase.
The left-hander was out for just three in the first innings in Adelaide, caught down the leg side superbly by Jos Buttler. He made 23 in the second dig, and boasts a Test average of 22.19.
FULL SQUAD: Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
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