Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday (December 20) confirmed that they would retain the same squad for the remainder of the Ashes series.

The announcement comes as the hosts are on the brink of taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match Test series against England.

Skipper Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood will join the squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test at MCG from December 26. The duo is not featuring in the ongoing second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.

While Cummins was ruled out of the pink ball Test after coming in close contact of a Covid-19 case, Hazlewood missed the game with a side injury sustained in the opening fixture at Gabba, which Australia won by nine wickets.

Debutant Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson replaced the duo in the bowling attack for Adelaide Test but Australia still dominated in the match.

The selectors saw no need for any changes in the combination, although Marcus Harris might be concerned about his spot in the opening partnership after scoring just 38 runs in four innings so far in the series.

After the third Test in Melbourne, both the team will move to Sydney for the penultimate Test (January 5-9) while the Ashes will conclude with a day-night clash in Hobart (January 14-18).

Australia’s squad for remaining Ashes series:

Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

(With AP inputs)