(Cricket news) The most grudge rivalry in cricket is about to kick off down under. Australia and England will go head to head forto head for a classic old school 5 match Test Series. Australia have named a 15 man squad for the first two Tests. Despite the disappointing performance in the last home series against India. There aren't anyaren't any significant changes in the Australian squad. There certainly won't be more than 2 changes in the XI that played in the last Test against India at the Gabba.

Australia's ideal Playing XI:

Openers: David Warner, Marcus Harris

David Warner is a no brainer selection at the top of the order more so after the kind of form he is in. There is an option to go for Usman Khawaja but Marcus Harris is likely to retain his spot. The two left handers have to start well. It is important for Justin Langer that whichever opening combination he chooses works this time around as not having a constant opening partner has affected David Warner's game as well. Marcus Harris is the most likely batter to fit in perfectly with Warner.

Middle order: Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja

Labuschagne and Smith will definitely be in the side unless there is an injury to either. The pair will have a lot of responsibility to anchor the Australian innings. Both Smith and Labuschagne unlike the others had a decent series against India as both of them got tons. Labuschagne has been in good knick in the Sheffield Shield as well. Langer and Paine could go for either Usman Khawaja or Travis Head. Khawaja's Sheffield Shield form is two difficult to ignore. The Queensland captain has scored 404 runs in 6 innings which is just a touch better than Head who has 285 runs. Considering Head was given a chance against India in the first two Tests but couldn't capitalise and Khawaja hasn't been given a chance since 2019 suggests that it could be Khawaja who completes the middle order. 

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All-rounder: Cameron Green

Cameron Green will definitely be in the side as the sole All-rounder. His only competition is perhaps Micheal Nasser but Green will be difficult for any team in the world to keep out. His Sheffield Shield form has been good which is a positive. Batting at no. 6 Green will have a lot of responsibility with the willow. He will have to get a few overs in with the ball as well. The all-rounder had a decent performance with the bat against India but didn't manage to pick up a single wicket which is something he wouldn't want to do again.

Wicket keeper: Tim Paine

The Australian selectors are pretty confident that Tim Paine will be fit enough to don the gloves as they haven't picked another keeper in the squad. Paine will also captain the side for potentially the last time. He had a decent series against India last time around, scoring 204 runs in 7 innings including 2 not outs. His performance with the willow was overshadowed by his antics behind the stumps which he has since apologized for. He will have a job on his side more with the captaincy side of things which doesn't mean that he will get a free pass for his batting and keeping.

Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins

The Aussie bowling quartet is tough to change. The pace trio have been terrific in the T20 World Cup but this will be a different ball game altogether. Lyon on the other hand is one of the best spinners in the world. He will have to do much more with the ball this time around then he did against India. Jhye Richardson and Mitchell Sweepson are other options but it is difficult to see them start the first game unless there is an injury or fatigue to the quicks.