Australia’s 13-member squad has been revealed for the forthcoming Boxing Day Test matchup with Pakistan in Melbourne. After their decisive 360-run victory over Pakistan in Perth, the defending ICC World Test Championship winners have resisted the temptation to make too many changes to their team and have instead decided to reduce their playing group from 14 to 13 for the legendary MCG Test match.
Lance Morris, the uncapped pacer, will leave the team to resume domestic T20 duties in Australia; the team will probably play the same lineup that won handily in Perth. Pakistan was bowled out for 89 runs in just 30.2 overs on Sunday while chasing 450 for the win, giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Workhorses Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will be rested and ready to go for the MCG Boxing Day Test because of the reduced workload. Marnus Labuschagne is poised to stay in the lineup in Melbourne after it was determined that his finger injury sustained during the first Test match against Pakistan was not significant.
Australia squad announced for Boxing Day Test
With a 41.67 win-loss %, Australia is presently ranked fifth in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan and India are tied for first place with a 66.67 percentage.
Pakistan’s two-day tour match against Victoria at the Junction Oval, which begins on Friday, will provide them an opportunity to work out their kinks.
Along with Peter Handscomb and Will Pucovski, Marcus Harris will have another opportunity to make his case for the role of David Warner’s replacement later this summer.
When Marnus Labuschagne’s finger x-rayed on Sunday after he was hit on the third afternoon, the Australians‘ lone injury concern was allayed. However, before play on day four, he was allowed to bat freely in the Perth nets and participate fully in the field.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
