Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson have been dropped by Australia for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford as Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith come into the 12-man squad.

Australia are set to make two changes to the side that was beaten by Ben Stokes’ record-breaking innings at Headingley in the third Ashes Test.

Fast bowler Starc comes into the squad with Pattinson dropping out, leaving himself, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle for the three pace bowling spots for the match which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

His inclusion was expected after an impressive display in Australia’s tour match against Derbyshire last week – a game in which Khawaja was named captain – taking seven wickets in the match.

Khawaja drops out of the squad after featuring in the first three Tests at No 3, but he has paid the price for an average of just 20.33 from his six innings in the series.

Khawaja’s place will be taken by the returning Smith after he recovered from the concussion he suffered from a Jofra Archer bouncer which hit him in the neck during the second Test at Lord’s.

Marnus Labuschagne, who was Smith’s replacement, keeps his spot in the team after top-scoring in both innings for the Aussies in Leeds.

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