Statistics may have not been kind to the Australian cricket team of late but they are exuding something that can’t be measured ahead of the Ashes series – confidence.

Australia have only won one of their last 10 Tests.

And they face the sobering prospect of losing a record four straight Ashes series this summer.

But allrounder Shane Watson’s dodgy hamstring has not stopped Australia regaining their strut before the first Test starts at the Gabba on November 21.

Tasmanian skipper George Bailey, 31, is set to become the oldest Australian batsman to make his Test debut in more than 34 years after being named in the 12-strong squad on Tuesday.

Once erratic speedster Mitchell Johnson, 32, capped his redemption when he was picked for his first Test since March after missing the last Ashes tour.

And national chairman of selectors John Inverarity talked up Watson’s chances of bowling in Brisbane despite Tasmanian all-rounder James Faulkner being named as a back-up quick.

Test quick Ryan Harris admitted that new-found form ensured there would be no excuses at the upcoming Ashes.

“It’s time we brought the urn home and we know that,” Harris said.

“You always have pressure at this level and there is extra after not winning the last few series.

“But if we play our best cricket we will win. We believe in each other.”

Vice-captain Brad Haddin tried to compare the current squad’s confidence with the frustrated outfit that crashed 3-0 in the Ashes in England earlier this year.

“What we can take out of that is that we are a lot more settled now,” he said.

“I don’t think there were any surprises in the team selection this morning. It was a pretty easy team to pick because everyone was performing.

“Boof (coach Darren Lehmann) promotes family first and that’s the sort of environment he wants – the boys have signed off on that and are enjoying it.”

The player probably enjoying it the most is Bailey, set to become Australia’s 436th Test player.

The last 31-year-old Test batsman to be picked for Australia was Jeff Moss in 1979.

Haddin hoped Bailey would become the middle order calming influence Mike Hussey once was.

“If he does what Mike Hussey does we will be going alright,” Haddin said.

“But George will bring his own skill set. Let him enjoy the occasion and have a crack when it starts.”

The feel good vibe at the team announcement was boosted by positive news about Watson’s availability.

“We are confident he will be fit to play. We are hoping he will bowl. He is progressing very well,” Inverarity said.

Australian captain Michael Clarke said he had not lost his focus despite spending the past weeks either commenting on Ricky Ponting’s book or preparing to launch his own.

“I have not taken my eyes off the goal of helping this team become the number one Test team in the world,” he said.

“The criticism that comes with playing for Australia is always there. That won’t change.”