YOUNGSTER Charlie Morris has been handed his Worcestershire debut in this week’s New Road clash with the touring Australians.

The 20-year-old Oxford University seamer lines up for the first time in the County’s senior side today (11am) and will be on the same team as Somerset’s Nick Compton, who plays for Worcestershire at the ECB’s request.

Morris replaces veteran seamer Alan Richardson in the hosts’ XI, while another senior player, Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera, makes way for Compton.

Former New Road favourite Phil Hughes is among an Australian side that includes the likes of captain Michael Clarke, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and another ex-Worcestershire overseas player Steve Smith.

New Australia coach Darren Lehmann also revealed yesterday that Shane Watson and Chris Rogers will open the batting against England when the first Ashes Test begins at Trent Bridge next week and the duo are both in the squad for the game at New Road.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “To play against Australia is a fantastic occasion. They are here to win the Ashes, are very serious and are not here to be pushed aside, despite what a lot of the English media are saying.

“I don’t think the Ashes will be a walkover — it will be a tough series. They have been in the doldrums of late, but that makes them dangerous.

“Their final preparation game for the Ashes is against us, so we could well be up against what is likely to be their Test team.

“It will be tough, but it is a game to look forward to and to enjoy.”

Worcestershire: Pardoe, Compton, Moeen, Mitchell, Kervezee, Fell, Cox, Andrew, Shantry, Morris, Russell.

Australia: Cowan, Watson, Rogers, Clarke, Hughes, Smith, Haddin, Faulkner, Harris, Bird, Agar.