Australia has named its 13-player squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in Melbourne, opting to reduce the group from 14 to 13. Uncapped pacer Lance Morris has been omitted from the squad to return home for domestic T20 duties. The Boxing Day Test, scheduled from December 26 to 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, follows Australia's emphatic win over Pakistan in Perth. Chief selector George Bailey noted that Morris remains in their plans for the summer, with the squad otherwise unchanged. The experienced trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and skipper Pat Cummins are likely to share new-ball duties, with Cameron Green staying in contention. Marnus Labuschagne, despite a finger injury, is expected to retain his place. The squad includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
Key Points:
1. Australia has announced a 13-player squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30.
2. Uncapped pacer Lance Morris has been omitted from the squad, returning home for domestic T20 duties after the first Test against Pakistan in Perth.
3. The decision to reduce the squad from 14 to 13 indicates Australia's inclination to maintain the winning combination from the Perth Test.
4. Morris's exclusion is the sole change in the squad, reflecting the team's satisfaction with the performance in the previous match.
5. Chief selector George Bailey clarified that Lance Morris remains in their plans for the summer, and his release is for the Melbourne Test only.
6. The frontline bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins is expected to remain unchanged, with Scott Boland as the only remaining seam option.
7. All-rounder Cameron Green retains his spot in the squad, and captain Pat Cummins acknowledges the difficulty of making changes after a dominant performance in Perth.
8. Star batter Marnus Labuschagne, who suffered a finger injury in the first Test, has been cleared of serious damage and is expected to retain his place in the playing XI.
9. The squad includes key players such as Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, and David Warner.
10. Australia anticipates fielding an unchanged XI for the Boxing Day Test, building on their success in the previous match against Pakistan in Perth.
(With Agency Inputs)
