Australia have named a star-studded squad for their first overseas Test tour in almost three years as they are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match Test series. While there were speculations that many top cricketers might opt-out, but the Aussies have decided to travel with their best 18.
Ashton Agar, who played the last of his four Tests in September 2017, joins Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson in the 18-man squad as Australia bolstered their spin options ahead of the trip to the subcontinent.
The squad pretty much have everyone that won the Ashes last month. Senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has returned to the squad after missing the last four Tests owing to a side injury, that saw the rise of Scott Boland, who also retains his berth.
Our 18-player Test squad for the Qantas tour of Pakistan! 🔒
The Test playing contingent and staff are due to depart for Pakistan later this month while white ball players, to be announced separately, will join mid-tour for the ODI and T20I matches. pic.twitter.com/7RM0HwKygq
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 7, 2022
Marcus Harris, who lost his spot to Usman Khawaja for the Hobart Test, holds on to his place in the squad. Australia have also added Mitchell Marsh as another all-rounder to the squad while Josh Inglis is the second wicket-keeper in the squad, behind Alex Carey.
“This squad covers for all scenarios including the conditions given it has been such a long time since Australia was last in Pakistan,” national selector George Bailey said.
“With several subcontinent tours and a one-day World Cup in India on the near horizon this is a great first-up challenge for the group after the successful home Ashes Series. It’s also a very historic tour given the length of time since an Australian side last toured Pakistan,” he added.
Australia’s Test side will complete their isolation in Australia, before reaching Islamabad on February 27 on a chartered flight. After one-day room isolation, they will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, which will host the first Test of the series from March 4.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
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