Ashes 2017/18: 5 Australian players to watch out for

Mitchell Starc Steven Smith — Mitchell Starc and Steven Smith will be among the key players for Australia

A few days back, Australia's selectors picked their 13-man squad for the first 2 Tests of the 2017/18 edition of the Ashes. There was a lot of criticism hovering around some of their choices. None more so than Tim Paine's inclusion. The wicket-keeper batsman has recalled into the Test squad after more than seven years.

Also Read: Ashes 2017/18 - 5 England players to watch out for

Keeping aside the criticism, Australia are still strong enough in their own backyard and can rattle any opposition on a regular basis. England will have their task cut out against the strong hosts. Let us take a close look at five Australian players who can make life very difficult for England.

#5 Nathan Lyon

Lyon has taken heap of wickets in the recent years — Lyon has emerged to become one of the leading off-spinners in the world

Nathan Lyon has been a regular member of the Australian squad during the last few years owing to his consistent performances across all conditions. Whether on home soil or in the subcontinent, he has performed everywhere by taking plenty of wickets.

Currently, Lyon has 269 wickets to his name. The best part is that he is just 29 years old. He has just got better and become a more improved bowler with almost every season. The off-spinner has a reasonable record against England. From 13 Tests, he has picked up 44 wickets at an average of 29.84.

Lyon is particularly threatening against the left-handers. With the likes of Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan and Mooen Ali in the opposition line-up, he would fancy his chances to deliver crucial breakthroughs right throughout the series.