Australia has unveiled its 14-man squad for the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth, introducing fast bowler Lance Morris as the sole uncapped player who stands a chance to make his Test debut at Perth Stadium.
Morris, showcasing a remarkable ability to reach speeds of 150kph, appears unfazed after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him during the Ashes series. He made an impressive return, securing 11 wickets in three outings in this season's Sheffield Shield. Morris joins an elite pace setup, featuring captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland.
Pace-bowling all-rounders Cameron Green and Alex Carey, who retains his position as wicketkeeper despite being dropped as Australia's one-day gloveman during the World Cup, are also part of the squad. Scott Boland returns, and Nathan Lyon is back after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of the Ashes series.
Notably, the squad does not include a specialist back-up batter, with the focus on a looming showdown in the Prime Minister's XI clash in Canberra. The batting lineup comprises Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and David Warner, with no additional backup batter named. Players like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Marcus Harris, vying for a place, will participate in the Prime Minister's XI match against Pakistan on December 6.
Thirteen members of the current squad played pivotal roles in the WTC final and the successful Ashes defense, while 10 were part of the triumphant ODI World Cup campaign in India.
George Bailey, the chair of the men's selection panel, commented, "This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period. We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle."
Bailey also highlighted upcoming opportunities for players outside the current squad, stating, "As ever, there will be opportunities in the short to medium term to break into this squad, and we look forward to seeing the continued strong performances from players who have been performing domestically, many of whom will get a tremendous opportunity in the PM’s XI fixture against Pakistan later this week.”
Australia's First Test Squad:
Pat Cummins (c)
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cameron Green
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Usman Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Mitch Marsh
Lance Morris
Steve Smith
Mitch Starc
David Warner
(With Agency Inputs)
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