Faulkner in, Shaun Marsh out of the Ashes squad

Shane Watson has relinquished his vice-captaincy from Australia as he plans to focus on his batting. Watson hasn’t scored a Test century in the past couple of years and from 2011-13 he managed only 627 runs at an average of 24.11

In lieu of Watson’s resignation, the Australian selectors have named Brad Haddin as Michael Clarke’s deputy for the Ashes series that starts on July 11 at Trent Bridge. Haddin hasn’t been in the best of form with the bat lately and has been under pressure to perform with Matthew Wade eyeing his spot – who will be his back-up for the tour of England.

It had taken seven years for Haddin to regain the Test spot following Adam Gilchrist’s retirement and he hasn’t been able to cement his place in the squad.

“In regards to the vice-captaincy, we feel it’s important to have a senior, seasoned player support Michael at this time,” John Inverarity the national selector said. “When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void.

Shaun Marsh, who performed brilliantly in the Sheffield Shield matches, has been left out of the Ashes squad due to lack of fitness. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson too has been left out of the Ashes Series following a poor tour of India. But all-rounder James Faulkner has been following his good showing in the Big Bash League and the IPL.

“Matthew Wade is a very good cricketer and remains central to our plans for the future. New members to the group include Chris Rogers and James Faulkner, while Ryan Harris returns from a long absence from international cricket.

“James Faulkner has also been given an opportunity after impressing in recent months as an all-rounder. His performance in last month’s Sheffield Shield final was compelling and he has now produced three consistently good seasons with the ball at Shield level for Tasmania. He is a player who is seldom out of the game for long. He takes wickets, forms partnerships and makes valuable runs,” Inverarity added.

Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc have retained their place in the squad and will be expected to deliver the goods as the wickets in England provide both pace and bounce. The surprise selection was that of Jackson Bird, who missed the Test series in India.

“The bulk of our Ashes bowling attack – James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon – will use the ‘A’ matches as important preparation for the Ashes,” Inverarity said. “Brad Haddin will also get some valuable preparation for the Ashes in his leadership role captaining the side.

With the appointment of Haddin as vice-captain and the selection of quite a few uncapped players mean the Australians have a significant task at hand when they take on a well-oiled England side.

Ashes squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice-capt, wk), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phillip Hughes, Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, Chris Rogers, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.