Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was on Friday included in Australia’s 17-man squad for a five-Test Ashes series against England alongside Steve Smith and David Warner.
All three batsmen served lengthy bans for their roles in aball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.
Former captain Smith and his then deputy Warner were bothgiven 12-month suspensions by Cricket Australia, with Bancroft — who actuallyapplied sandpaper to the ball while in the field during a Test in Cape Town —banned for nine months.
Both Smith and Warner were expected to be in the Ashes squadafter doing well in the recent World Cup, when the defending champions reachedthe semi-finals.
Bancroft, who has been captaining English county sideDurham, appears to have forced his way in after making an unbeaten 93 in thetourists’ intra-squad match at Southampton this week.
“David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft haveforced their way back into the Test squad through the excellence of theirrecent performances,” said Australia national selector Trevor Hohns in astatement.
“David and Steve also have the advantage of beingproven players at Test level while Cameron has produced impressive numbers forcounty side Durham this season.
“His innings in the intra-squad match in Southampton ona tough pitch was outstanding and showed his quality.”
Holders Australia are looking to win their first Ashesseries in England since 2001.
Australia’s 17-man squad for a five-Test Ashes seriesagainst England announced on Friday: Tim Paine (Tasmania, capt/wkt), CameronBancroft (Western Australia), Patrick Cummins (New South Wales), Marcus Harris(Victoria), Josh Hazlewood (New South Wales), Travis Head (South Australia),Usman Khawaja (Queensland), Marnus Labuschagne (Queensland), Nathan Lyon (NewSouth Wales), Mitchell Marsh (Western Australia), Michael Neser (Queensland),James Pattinson (Victoria), Peter Siddle (Victoria), Steve Smith (New SouthWales), Mitchell Starc (New South Wales), Matthew Wade (Tasmania, wkt), DavidWarner (New South Wales)
FIXTURES
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 7-9: Worcestershire v Australians, Worcester
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord’s
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
August 29-31: Derbyshire v Australians, Derby
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old TraffordSeptember 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval