Australia has chosen to stick with a winning team as they named an unchanged 12-man squad for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, on December 5.
According to Sport24, the new drop-in wicket at Adelaide Oval has proven difficult for bowlers so far in this domestic Sheffield Shield season, and of biggest concern to Australia will be managing their in-form pace attack through the five-Test series.
Overworking Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and in particular the injury-prone Ryan Harris is a danger for Australia given the tight turnaround between Adelaide and the third Test in Perth, and the fact that their fast bowling depth is already stretched, the report said.
Coach Darren Lehmann said for a side that has only just broken a nine-match winless streak, winning every match is important.
James Faulkner was the 12th man in Brisbane and keeps his place in the squad as fast bowling cover, while debutant George Bailey will stay at number six, the report said.
Injuries to James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird and Josh Hazlewood leave Australia short on fast bowling options should another seamer suffer injury, the report added.
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Australia:
David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner.
