Cricket: New names in Aussie squad

Young NSW batsman Usman Khawaja has been named in the Australian Ashes squad. Photo / Getty Images

Australia's cricket selectors have covered all bases by choosing a 17-man squad for the first Ashes Test at the Gabba starting on Thursday week.

The squad, which includes one more player than England's tour party, will be whittled down to 12 or 13 next week but it highlights the selectors' uncertainty over their team.

Tasmanian left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty is the biggest surprise as he was one of three slow bowlers named, along with Nathan Hauritz and Steve Smith.

Young NSW batsman Usman Khawaja and South Australian Callum Ferguson have been selected to offer back-up to the batting order with vice-captain Michael Clarke (back) in some doubt and opener Simon Katich (thumb) making an injury comeback.

There are also concerns over left-arm quick Doug Bollinger who hasn't played for the past month due to a side strain, with five pacemen named.

Queensland's Ryan Harris made a stunning first-class return from injury in last week's Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania, taking a career-best 9-140 to earn selection.

The size of the squad means form in this week's Sheffield Shield matches and Australia A game againmst England will be closely watched before the numbers are pared down.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Callum Ferguson, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Usman Khawaja, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Harris, Xavier Doherty.

- AAP