Sydney: Australia have announced their 18-man squad for the 4-Test series against India in India. In this, 4 spinners have been selected considering the Indian pitches. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the first Test starting February 9 in Nagpur due to an injury.
Spinners like Ashton Agar, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Swepson along with Nathan Lyon have been selected in the team to suit India’s spin pitches. Off-spinner Todd Murphy from Victoria has never played a Test match.
Batsmen Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb have been selected for use if needed. Opener Marcus Harris was not selected. Alex Carey has been selected as the lone wicket keeper. If he is injured, Peter Handscomb is likely to take over the wicket-keeping duties. Fast bowler Lance Morris has been selected. After seeing the Nagpur pitch, he is likely to be included in the playing XI if he needs more pace. Scott Boland is also in the team.
Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori seems that Australia is not ready to let loose on the Indian pitches this time. The last time Australia won a series here was when Australia beat Ganguly-led India 2-1 under the captaincy of Adam Gilchrist. They overthrew the Indian team by throwing off-cutters even though there were no spinners.
Australia Team: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Ashton Auger, Lance Morris, Mitchell Swepson, Matt Renshaw , Peter Handscomb, Todd Murphy.
Schedule of 4 Test Matches
- First Test: Nagpur, Feb 9-13
- Second Test: Delhi, Feb 27-31
- Third Test: Dharamsala March 1-5
- Fourth Test: March 9-13, Ahmedabad
