Australia have been forced into naming an experienced squad with the task of reclaiming the Ashes in England this summer.

Brad Haddin returns as vice-captain after being dropped for the fourth test against India, replacing Shane Watson, but with 12 alterations from the squad which lost 3-1 on home turf in 2010/11, Australia take among the most inexperienced squads to England in recent memory.

James Faulkner is the only non-capped player included, while Middlesex captain Chris Rogers, without a test appearance for over half a decade, also returns to a 16-man squad whose average test appearances stand at just 22.

Captain Michael Clarke is the only player to have played more than 44 tests, while Peter Siddle is one of only five players to have played on the last tour to England in 2009.

Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty and Moises Henriques are the notable omissions from the 4-0 series whitewash at the hands of India.

Brad Haddin
Haddin is recalled after enjoying an impressive tour of England in 2009.

"The best teams I've seen in any sport have a good mix of youth and experience. I think this squad has that mix," Clarke said.

"I'm confident we have a good group of players that can learn from one another as well as utilise the coaches that we have.

"If you look through a lot of players' careers you go through ups and downs, you have tough tours and that makes you a better player and a stronger person, and I believe we've learned a lot from India, as individuals but also as a team.

"We're going to be playing in a lot different conditions to what we faced in India, against a completely different opposition, and I have faith that with the learning and experience of India, we'll have success in England."

Ex-vice-captain Watson remains in the fold despite being one of four players dropped after breaking team orders during the tour to India, but his place has been put under pressure by the inclusion of Faulker, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals.

Australian Squad for The Ashes

Michael Clarke (c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Ed Cowan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Usamn Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddles, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Australia India