AUS vs SA: Matt Renshaw, Ashton Agar added to 14-man squad for Sydney Test
The national selectors added Renshaw and Agar in hopes of bolstering their injury-hit squad.
The Australian team has added Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw to the 14-man squad for the third and final Test match of the series against the Proteas. The hosts completed a dominating series victory after battering their opponents at the MCG, however, they lost two of their key players in Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc to finger injuries.
The national selectors added Renshaw and Agar in hopes of bolstering their injury-hit squad ahead of the Sydney Test against the visitors. Both Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc were ruled out for the series finale after injuring their fingers in the second Test. Renshaw has represented Australia in 11 Tests and has fond memories of playing at the SCG, as his only Test century to date came at that venue.
"Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM's XI tour match against the West Indies. Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component," said selector Tony Dodemaide.
This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney: Tony Dodemaide
While the Australian pace attack has been severely hit with injuries lately, Dodemaide was buoyed by the return of star pacer Josh Hazlewood to the squad. However, the veteran pacer might not feature for the Aussies in the third Test with the series already in the bag and young speedster Lance Morris knocking on the door for the hosts.
"It's a blessing to have Josh (Hazlewood) returning while Lance (Morris) offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill. This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match," he added.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner
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