Steve Smith returns to the side after concussion, James Pattinson drops out
Tuesday 3 September 2019 11:01, UK
Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson have been dropped by Australia for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford with Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith coming into a 12-man squad.
Australia are set to make two changes to the side that was beaten by Ben Stokes' record-breaking innings at Headingley in the third Ashes Test.
Fast bowler Starc comes into the squad with Pattinson dropping out, leaving himself, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle vying for the three pace-bowling spots in Manchester.
Starc's inclusion was expected after an impressive display in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire last week - a game in which Khawaja was named captain - as he took seven wickets in the match.
Khawaja drops out of the squad after featuring in the first three Tests at No 3, but he has paid the price for an average of just 20.33 from his six innings in the series.
Khawaja's place will be taken by the returning Smith after he recovered from the concussion he suffered from a Jofra Archer bouncer which hit him in the neck during the second Test at Lord's.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was Smith's replacement, keeps his spot in the team after top-scoring in both innings for Australia in Leeds.
Australia are seeking the win that would see them retain the Ashes, having been denied what appeared a certain victory at Headingley by Stokes and unlikely hero, Jack Leach.
Australia squad for fourth Ashes Test: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Watch day one of the fourth Ashes Test live on Sky Sports The Ashes and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday.
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