Moises Henriques named in Australia squad for Sri Lanka tour

29-year old all-rounder Moises Henriques looks set for a return to the Australian Test team as he has been named in the Australian Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. Henriques is making his much-anticipated return to the Test side after three years of absence. The 29-year old will be expected to provide a backup for Mitchell Marsh who was ruled out of the IPL due to a niggle with the Australian selection committee continuing to persist with pace as opposed to spin in subcontinent conditions.

James Patterson who has suffered an unfortunate injury to his lower back will miss the series. The Australian spin attack consists of off-spinner Nathan Lyon with Stuart O’Keefe providing back up. Peter Siddle, who suffered stress fractures in our of New Zealand will also miss out.

“James experienced lower back pain during the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch and was given some time to rest,” Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said on Tuesday (May 24). “Unfortunately, his back pain continued during this time and after further investigation, it confirmed that he has had a recurrence of a back stress fracture. James will continue to spend the winter recovering from this injury, at which point we hope to have a clearer view of timelines for his return to play.”

Also, read – Chris Gayle fires back heavily at criticisers

Rodney Marsh, the former ironman of the Australian batting order also added that Henriques would prove to be a useful bowling option with the likes of Josh Hazelwood and Jackson Bird joining in. The uncapped Nathan Coulter-Nile receives his first ever call-up to the Test side.

“This squad has proven experience in subcontinental conditions,” Marsh said on Tuesday (May 24). “Henriques comes into the squad to give the flexibility of an additional all-rounder option, having already shown he plays and adapts well to spin-friendly conditions. He has been working hard on his fitness and we believe he is in prime condition to serve us well should he be selected to play. Jackson Bird and Nathan Coulter-Nile join the squad and will give us good control and pace.”

Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (v-c), Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Moises Henriques, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Nathan Lyon Steve O’Keefe.