Australia’s Ashton Agar dives throughout an ODI in Kolkata. File photograph
| Photograph Credit score: Ok.R. Deepak
Uncapped off-spinner Todd Murphy, with all of seven match first-class expertise, obtained his maiden Take a look at call-up as Australia on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, introduced a spin-heavy squad for his or her upcoming four-Take a look at sequence in India beginning February 9.
In search of their first Take a look at sequence win in India since 2004, Australia will play Take a look at matches in Nagpur (February 9-13), New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamsala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13).
The 22-year-old from Victoria will be part of fellow spinners Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon within the 18-member squad which additionally consists of Peter Handscomb and Matthew Renshaw as batting back-ups.
Owing to a finger harm, Mitchell Starc will miss the primary Take a look at in Nagpur on February 9 and is more likely to be part of his tempo colleagues ¬ captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland and Lance Morris later for remainder of the sequence.
All-rounder Cameron Inexperienced will even be a part of the contingent as he races towards time to recuperate from a finger fracture.
“We have now chosen a squad that gives the depth and suppleness required to adapt relying on the circumstances we might encounter,” former skipper and present chief selector George Bailey mentioned in an announcement.
On Murphy’s call-up, Bailey mentioned: “Todd Murphy has progressed shortly having impressed in home cricket and lately with Australia A. With these performances Todd has emerged as a powerful spin possibility.”
Murphy can be Nathan Lyon’s understudy, having taken 29 wickets in his seven first-class video games up to now. He has additionally performed 14 Listing A and eight T20 video games
“Ashton Agar continues to impress following his comeback in Sydney and we consider left-arm finger spin will play an vital function in Indian circumstances. Mitchell Swepson has latest Take a look at expertise within the sub-continent and presents leg-spinning selection.”
Whereas Handscomb will be part of Renshaw because the batting backups, Marcus Harris was disregarded.
“Peter Handscomb deserves his place again within the squad. His home kind has been sturdy lately and Pete has confirmed he can carry out on the Take a look at degree,” Bailey mentioned.
“His expertise towards spin on the subcontinent is effective and he’s additionally an exceptionally good near the wicket catcher.”
Handscomb final performed a Take a look at in 2019. Australia will even play three ODIs in India however the squad for the restricted over sequence can be introduced at a later date.
Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (C), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Inexperienced, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
