Cricket Australia has named a 19-man squad for a three-match tour of South Africa, which could play a key role in the race to the World Test Final.
Coming off the back of a 2-1 Test series loss to India, Australia have released Matthew Wade from their squad after the veteran made just 123 runs at an average of 21.62 over the four Tests.
Australia slipped to third place on the World Test Test standings after losing to India in the final Test at Brisbane.
To secure a place in the final of the World Test Championship, Australia must win at least two of the series of three planned matches against South Africa and avoid any losses. On the other hand, winning a home series with South Africa will end Australia’s chances of making the final. Any other results require a favorable mix of series results that do not appear in Australia.
Wade ‘s ax leaves Travis Head as the leading runner to bat at No. 5 but he faces competition from Moises Henriques, Will Pucovski and goalkeeper Alex Carey.
Carey is one of five players not caught in the squad, along with fast bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser and Mark Steketee, and leg spinner Mitchell Swepson.
Pucovski is back with controversy for selection after injuring his shoulder on the first Test earlier this month. Pucovski scored a half-century opener in his first game for Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground earlier this year.
It gives Australian voters a choice as both a midfielder and a mid-order batter. Openers David Warner and Marcus Harris were both named in the squad after being packed together at the Gabba after Pucovski was injured.
The three-match series against South Africa is still awaiting official approval from both the CA boards and South African Cricket.
“David Warner, Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris all opened at different levels against India and should be well-suited to the conditions in South Africa,” said Cricket Australia selective chairman Trevor. Hohns. “Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were in great shape this summer in Australia and Travis Head has a chance to regain No. 5 place.
“We are delighted with Cameron Green’s first attempt into test cricket as a round-round batting at No. 6 and we have great depth with the in-form Moises Henriques in the squad as well.
“Tim Paine excelled at No. 7 against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain there is still much to offer in the Test field.
“Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson offer fantastic spinning bowling options for South African conditions. Likewise, we love the skill, action and difference our speed bodies offer Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Sean Abbott and Marc Steketee. ”
AUSTRALIA’S DATE
Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith , Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner