Australia announce Test squad against India
Australia announced their 17 member Test squad for the home series against India. Among the members are new faces, 22 year old Will Pucovski who averages over 55 in First Class cricket and Western Australia all rounder Cameron Green who has a prolific batting average nearing 50 and a bowling average in low 20s in First Class Cricket.
Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), David Warner, Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (vc), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Australia went in with 6 pace bowlers in the squad and the spin department comprises of leggie Mitchell Swepson and off spinner Nathan Lyon. David Warner will have the option of opening with Joe Burns or Will Pucovski – who recently stormed Sheffield Shield in this year’s matches averaging about 247.50. The prime pace battery of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins also has the potential surge in the form of James Pattinson, Michael Nesser and Sean Abbott. Middle order seems settled with the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne backed up by the skillful Travis Head. Matthew Wade will continue taking up his lower middle order role where he has been quite effective for the Aussies. Pacer Pat Cummins has been named as the only deputy for skipper Tim Paine.
The Test series begins with a day-nighter at Adelaide on December 17, followed by 3 more Tests at Melbourne (Dec 26), Sydney (Jan 7) and Brisbane (Jan 15). India is currently holding on to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as this is the first time both teams meet in ICC World Test Championship battle. India and Australia are currently the Top 2 teams in the race.
Australia have also announced 19 member A squad featuring about 9 members from the main Test squad. Mitchell Marsh is also in the squad subject to his fitness. Australia A will take on India A in a practice match on December 6th, while Team India will play its practice match on December 11 at SCG.
Australia A squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Jackson Bird, Alex Carey (wk), Harry Conway, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh (subject to fitness), Michael Neser, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Mark Steketee, Will Sutherland, Mitchell Swepson
My dream team will feature Marcus Trescothick and Anil Kumble
