Cricket Australia announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming four-match Test series against India starting in December. The team will be locking horns with India under Tim Paine’s captaincy and youngsters like Will Pucovski and Cameron Green have also been included in the side. The other uncapped Test players in the team are Sean Abbott and the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and all-rounder Michael Neser.
In recent times, some of Australia’s former stalwarts have called for Pucovski’s selection in the team following his fine run in domestic cricket — the 22-year-old struck successive double centuries in his two Shield appearances. His inclusion sets up a competition with fellow opener Joe Burns, who is feeling the heat after a disastrous start to the first-class summer.
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As per the cricket board, the selectors chose the expanded squad in considering the biosecure hubs that the team will be based in and the need to plan for replacing players at short notice if need be.
Youngsters Cameron Green and Will Pucovski are included in Australia's 17-player squad to take on India in the Vodafone Test Series! 🙌
Australia A squad + more from National Selector Trevor Hohns: https://t.co/sNmm32L2zt pic.twitter.com/BlbCOva9cB
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 12, 2020
Australia’a Test squad for India series: Tim Paine (capt), Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Talking about the selection, CA’s National Selector Trevor Hohns said, “It is such a positive sign for Australian cricket to have so many good young players stepping into contention for the Test and Australia A selection. Huge praise should go to the South Australian Cricket Association, the coaches, players, and all those involved in delivering such a high-quality block of Shield match in challenging circumstances.”
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The national squad also informed that in line with the white ball squad, Pat Cummins will be the sole vice-captain of the Test squad under Tim Paine. The limited-overs series, which will comprise three ODIs and three T20Is, will be held prior to the Test series, starting November 27.
What a series this was! 🏆 #AUSvIND
With the announcement of Australia's squad for the Vodafone Test series against India, re-live the highs and lows of the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, two years ago. pic.twitter.com/LB19GwEItO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 12, 2020
Selectors have also chosen a 19-player Australia A squad that will be locking horns with India A and India in tour matches at Drummoyne Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground which includes nine players from the Test squad and Australian captain Tim Paine. Final sides and a captain will be chosen closer to each match.
Test Series against India:
- December 17-21 – First Test, Adelaide Oval (d/n)
- December 26-30 – Second Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground
- January 7-11 – Third Test, Sydney Cricket Ground
- January 15-19 – Fourth Test, Brisbane Cricket Ground
Australia A versus India A and India:
- December 6-8 – Australia A v India A, Drummoyne Oval
- December 11-13 – Australia A v India, Sydney Cricket Ground (d/n)
