The young Australian batsman Peter Handscomb has been dropped from the Australian squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, but he feels that he need to score more runs. He was sacrificed after form deserted him, with selectors opting instead for uncapped pair Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

Since making his Test debut against South Africa in late 2016, Handscomb has averaged a creditable 43.63. But the 27-year-old paid the price for being dismissed in single figures nine times from his last 11 innings across all formats.

During a recent interview with cricket.com.au., Handscomb said, “It’s obviously tough, getting dropped at any stage hurts. I was backing myself to score runs in the subcontinent. I had a tough tour (this month) with Australia A in India, but I know I can do it and I’ve done it before both in India and Bangladesh.”

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Despite his self-belief, Handscomb is well aware of the reason behind him getting dropped. He said, “It’s the same old — you’ve got to make runs to be playing for Australia and I haven’t been putting numbers on the board that’s needed to represent this country.”

Australia has selected five uncapped players for the two-match Test series in the United Arab Emirates, with Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Aaron Finch joining Labuschagne and Head.

ALSO READ: Australia Announces Test Squad against Pakistan

Veteran fast bowler Peter Siddle has also been recalled after a nearly two-year break, a decision that stunned ex-Australian quick Stuart Clark who said Victoria’s Chris Tremain should have got the nod instead. Describing the same, Peter said, “I spat my cornflakes out when I read it. I’ve read we have gone with character over ability and all this stuff. Well, what’s wrong with Tremain’s character? He seems fine to me.”

The first Test is in Dubai from October 7 while the second Test in Abu Dhabi from October 16.