WA allrounder Ashton Agar has been recalled into the Australian squad as the house aspect hunt for 2 replacements forward of the third Test on the SCG.
Agar is one in every of two additions to the 14-man squad for the New Year’s Test on the SCG, with Matt Renshaw additionally again in favour after accidents to star fast Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green on the MCG.
Due to the SCG’s spin-friendly pitch, Agar looms because the extra doubtless choice to return to the saggy inexperienced. His final purple ball recreation for Australia was greater than 5 years in the past, in opposition to Bangladesh in September 2017.
He has by no means performed Test cricket on residence soil.
Agar, 29, acquired the nod for the 14-man squad forward of Victoria offie Todd Murphy and Queensland leggy Mitch Swepson.
The left-arm spinner may slot in at No.7 and go away wicketkeeper Alex Carey, contemporary off a maiden Test century, to be promoted up the order.
Experienced fast Josh Hazlewood will virtually actually finish a three-Test absence and return to the XI after recovering from a side-strain harm suffered in opposition to the West Indies in Perth earlier this month.
West Australian pace machine Lance Morris, who has been dubbed the brand new “Wild Thing”, has retained his spot within the squad and will make his Test debut.
Meanwhile, allrounder WA Aaron Hardie – who’s having fun with a blistering marketing campaign for the Perth Scorchers – was missed.
Despite each gamers ending the Boxing Day Test, Starc and Green will now recuperate as they goal to get themselves proper for India.
“Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component,” Australia selector Tony Dodemaide mentioned.
“Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies.
“In terms of fast bowlers, it’s a blessing to have Josh (Hazlewood) returning while Lance (Morris) offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill.”
AUSTRALIA SQUAD:
Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner.
with AAP
