Cricket Australia announces squad for Pakistan Test series

Australia are scheduled to play two Tests and three T20I against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting next month. The tour starts with a four-day practice match between the visitors and Pakistan A at International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy in Dubai on September 29. The red-ball fixtures will be played from October 7 and 16 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.

In the meantime, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the squad for the two-match Test series. Tim Paine, who took over the captain’s role from Steve Smith amidst the infamous Cape Town- Test match earlier this year, remains to be the skipper. Earlier, Justin Langer, the head coach said that Australia ‘A’s triangular series and their List ‘A’ matches against India will be taken into consideration.

A blend of youth and experience

A number of players from the Indian tour have been picked. In the 15-man squad, Brendan Doggett and Marnus Labuschagne are yet to make their international debut while the likes of Travis Head, Aaron Finch and Michael Neser have already donned the national colours, albeit not in the longest format of the sport. Matt Renshaw was initially picked as David Warner’s replacement in the Rainbow Nation.

He suffered a finger injury during his county stint for Somerset but has recovered in time. Mitchell Starc, who hasn’t played a competitive match ever since he developed a bone stress reaction in his right leg, but has made a comeback into the squad, much to Australia’s relief. Right-arm off-break bowler Nathan Lyon is expected to be one of their more reliable bowlers in the slow and low pitches in the UAE.

Here is the squad

Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc.

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