Australia Announce Squad For First Two India Tests

Australia, on Wednesday, announced their 14-man squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming four-match series against India.

Australia have given maiden calls to Victorian duo Marcus Harris and Chris Tremain for the first two Tests against India. Both the players have performed superbly in domestic cricket this season.

Harris is currently the second-highest run-getter in the ongoing Sheffield Shield 2018-19 season, with an aggregate of 437 runs in six innings and a personal best of 250 not out. On the other hand, Tremain is the second-leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps – that includes three five-wicket hauls in eight innings.

National selector Trevor Hohns said that the duo earned the call for their impressive showing for Victoria.

“Marcus Harris has forced his way into the squad after an impressive start to the Sheffield Shield campaign for Victoria. And in recent times has performed in high pressure matches, including Sheffield Shield finals. Not only has he made plenty of runs, he’s displayed the mental application we believe is required to compete at Test cricket.”

“Chris Tremain has also been performing consistently with the ball for Victoria. His form in the Sheffield Shield has seen him become the second highest wicket taker in the competition this season. He has also been a consistent wicket taker over the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves his place in the squad,” Hohns said.

Australia have also recalled Peter Handscomb. The right-handed batsman had missed out on the series against Pakistan in UAE. Usman Khawaja, who underwent knee surgery last month, has also managed to retain his spot. The southpaw, who had impressed against Pakistan, suffered a meniscal tear on the tour. Khawaja is likely to feature for Queensland in the Shield round before heading to Adelaide.

“We’ve been really impressed with the way Usman Khawaja has applied himself through his rehabilitation and he’s left no stone unturned in his bid to return in Adelaide,” Hohns said. “Barring any set-backs, all the signs are indicating he will be available for the first Test. We saw how well he performed against Pakistan in the UAE, and we hope he can recapture that form over the summer.”

The players who were part of the series against Pakistan but have been dropped for the upcoming fixtures are – Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jon Holland and Brendan Doggett are the other UAE squad members to miss selection.

Australia squad for first-two Tests vs India:

Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood (VC), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh (VC), Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (C), Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain

India tour of Australia schedule:

T20I series:

November 21 –  1st T20I
November 23 –  2nd T20I
November 25 – 3rd T20I

Test series:

December 6-10 – 1st Test
December 14-18 – 2nd Test
December 26-30 – 3rd Test
January 3-7 – 4th Test

ODI series:

January 12 – 1st ODI
January 15 –  2nd ODI
January 18 –  3rd ODI