While Australia has back on track in the ongoing four-match home Test series against the visitors India by winning the second Test at Perth by 146 runs, the same 14-member squad has been announced for the remaining two matches of the series. The series is currently levelled by the 1-1 margin after the first two games.
Despite a brilliant fight, especially the bowlers and the middle & lower-order batsmen, Australia lost the first game at Adelaide by 31 runs. However, they have returned quickly to the Test series by winning the second Test (by 146 runs) at the new Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium).
Australian opener Aaron Finch was retired hurt during their early second innings of the Perth Test after he got a hit on his finger. However, he returned to the crease on the next day. He has been retained in the Test squad after the team management has given the green signal by observing his present condition.
The batting is still the big headache for the Australian cricket team. Especially Peter Handscomb is running in a very poor batting form. However, the selectors have still put the faith on him and have retained him to the Test squad.
All the Australian bowlers are in very good form but there is the special mention of the off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who has impressed the world cricket hugely. The left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was criticised heavily after his lesser-effective performances during the first Test, but he seemed in very good rhythm during the Perth Test.
Australian squad for the final two Tests of the home series against India: Tim Paine (c & wk), Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood (vc), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh (vc), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle.
The remaining schedule of Test series
December 26-30, 2018: Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne)
January 3-7, 2019: Fourth Test – Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney)
Results of the first two Tests of the series
First Test at Adelaide (December 6-10): India won by 31 runs
Second Test at Perth (December 14-18): Australia won by 146 runs
