Lance Morris Likely To Replace Mitchell Starc In Australia XI For 1st Test vs Pakistan - Reports

Australia’s Test selectors are considering the inclusion of Western Australia fast bowler Lance Morris for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is reportedly dealing with a minor injury and might miss the first Test match.

The Australia team is gearing up for the Test summer with the Pakistan series, scheduled to commence on December 14 at Perth Stadium in Perth. The hosts have a formidable record against Pakistan at home, having last lost to them in a Test match back in 1995.

The selectors will announce a 14-member squad for the upcoming red-ball series on Sunday. The official confirmation of David Warner’s Farewell Test series will be made. Mitchell Marsh is expected to retain the all-rounder position, edging out Cameron Green for the role.

Mitchell Starc Is Set To Miss First Test Against Pakistan – Reports

Mitchell Starc is managing a minor injury described as a “niggle,” but it won’t prevent him from starting the Test summer. The left-arm pacer is expected to be fit for the Boxing Day Test, given a seven-day break. The final test will begin just three days after the second game.

Lance Morris was included in the squad to face the West Indies last summer but did not make his debut. He also accompanied the Australian squad during their Test tour of India earlier this year. Despite being part of the squad, Morris is yet to earn his first Test cap.

Morris has been following a specific recovery program for stress fractures in his back. The 25-year-old, known for his ability to clock 150 km/h regularly, is considered a “like-for-like” replacement for Mitchell Starc, serving the role of an enforcer in the bowling attack.

Pakistan Tour of Australia Schedule

• 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
• 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Also read: “Pretty Outrageous For The Guys That Had To Stay Behind” – Mitchell Marsh Criticises India-Australia T20I Series Schedule