The Australian Test squad for the four-match Test 22-year old Will Pucovski is a big addition as a 17-member Australian Test squad was announced by Cricket Australia for the four-match Test series against India. The first of the four Tests will be played in Adelaide from December 17 to 21.

Melbourne will host the Boxing Day Test from December 26-30. Sydney will host the third (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19) the fourth and final Test match. The much-awaited series between the two teams consists of four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

Will Pucovski Added to Australia Test Squad

Pucovski, 22, has made 495 runs at an average of 247.5 in the opening rounds of the Sheffield Shield competition this year. His numbers have may have a case for him getting a place in the Test squad. Both Burns and Pucovski have been named in the Australia A squad for the two practice matches against India, which could determine Warner’s opening partner.

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“Will’s record-breaking start to the summer has been exceptional. His ability to show such patience is something which stands him in good stead for Test cricket and he is in rare company with two double centuries to start the summer. We very much look forward to Will developing further on the international stage,” National Selector Trevor Hohns said.

Tim Paine will lead the side that will see the return of senior cricketers Steve Smith and David Warner back into the mix. Travis Head will be the vice-captain of the side. The bowling attack will be led by Pat Cummins who is coming back after a decent IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders.

After failing in the first half of the tournament, Cummins came back into form in the latter half of the tournament finishing the season with 12 wickets. James Pattinson after a good season with Mumbai Indians has been drafted into the side. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott complete the four-man seam attack. Cameron Green has been included in the side and will partner Nathan Lyon as the second spin option.

Meanwhile, Trevor Hohns stressed on Head’s role in the leadership group, saying that he has been a good deputy to regular Test skipper Tim Paine.

“Travis (Head) remains an important member of the senior leadership group and has been integral in the recent success of the side which is now ranked as the best Test team in the world. He has been a great support to Tim and is a very experienced leader” Hohns said.

Australia Test Squad For India Series

Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, 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

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