Penpix of Australia's Test squad
HOW AUSTRALIA'S 12-MAN SQUAD SHAPE UP FOR THE TEST SERIES
JOE BURNS
Age: 26
Tests: 2
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: 36.50
Chris Rogers was one of the side's most reliable batsmen over the past two years so the pressure is on his successor to deliver. Darren Lehmann and Rod Marsh both said recently that Burns was unlucky to miss out on a trip to the Ashes.
DAVID WARNER
Age: 29
Tests: 43
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
Test batting average: 46.78
Has recovered from a broken thumb, proving his fitness during last week's Sheffield Shield clash in Adelaide. Formerly Cricket Australia's enfant terrible, this is Warner's first Test series as vice-captain.
USMAN KHAWAJA
Age: 28
Tests: 9
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
Test bating average: 25.13
Will be entrusted with batting at first drop, replacing Michael Clarke in a rejigged top order. Hasn't played a Test since the 2013 Ashes but scored an impressive unbeaten ton against New Zealand in a tour match.
STEVE SMITH (captain)
Age: 26
Tests: 33
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: 56.27
If not the best Test batsman in the world, he is very close to it. This will be Smith's first series as permanent captain, although a fine record as caretaker last summer suggests the added responsibility won't impact his game.
ADAM VOGES
Age: 36
Tests: 7
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
Test batting average: 46.00
Battled through 160 first-class fixtures before being handed a baggy green in the West Indies earlier this year. Shored up his place in the Test side by finishing the Ashes with a pair of half-centuries.
MITCH MARSH
Age: 24
Tests: 7
Playing role: Right-handed allrounder
Test batting average: 28.18
Test bowling average: 34.77
Started the Ashes as Shane Watson's understudy, a swashbuckling batsman capable of delivering some overs. Finished as Australia's premier allrounder but will be keen to deliver some runs at No.6 after missing out in England.
PETER NEVILL
Age: 30
Tests: 4
Playing role: Wicketkeeper
Test batting average: 23.83
Became Australia's 33rd Test wicketkeeper during the Ashes, performing so well at Lord's that selectors retained the debutant ahead of Brad Haddin. Has had limited batting practice recently due to NSW's star-studded top order.
MITCHELL JOHNSON
Age: 34
Tests: 71
Playing role: Left-arm fast
Test bowling average: 27.94
Has been Australia's spearhead for the past two summers but will soon pass the baton on to his namesake. On the hunt for 50 more Test scalps, which will lift him above mentor Dennis Lillee on Australia's all-time leading wicket-taker list.
MITCHELL STARC
Age: 25
Tests: 22
Playing role: Left-arm fast
Test bowling average: 31.80
The best one-day bowler in the world and recently showed sizzling form with the pink ball in the day-night Sheffield Shield round. Yet to show the same consistency with a red rock but is a remarkably improved bowler compared to when he was dropped 11 times from the Test side.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD
Age: 24
Tests: 9
Playing role: Right-arm fast-medium
Test bowling average: 21.75
It's been a rollercoaster ride for the towering Tamworth product since making his Test debut at the Gabba last summer. Was named man of the series in Australia's 2-0 thumping of the West Indies but lost form, fitness and confidence in the tour of England that followed.
NATHAN LYON
Age: 27
Tests: 46
Playing role: Right-arm offbreak
Test bowling average: 34.09
Australia's most prolific offspinner has come a long way since being dropped for Ashton Agar at the start of the 2013 Ashes in England. Was the side's most consistent bowler in England this year and is now be one of the first picked in the XI.
PETER SIDDLE
Age: 30
Tests: 57
Playing role: Right-arm fast-medium
Test bowling average: 29.87
Feared his Test career was over following the rise and rise of Hazlewood. It looked that way until the fifth Ashes Test, when the miserly Victorian was the pick of Australia's bowlers. Nonetheless is expected to be named 12th man in Brisbane.
