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Cricket Australia has announced its 14-player squad for the upcoming Test series opener against Pakistan in Perth, with West Australian quick Lance Morris making a significant return. Morris, 25, has come closer to his much-anticipated international debut after being named in the squad for the first Test at Perth Stadium.
The fast bowler, capable of exceeding 150 km/h, was on the brink of earning a baggy green last summer when he was called up as an injury replacement for the second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide. Although he stayed with the Australian squad during subsequent series against South Africa and India, he didn’t secure a spot in the starting XI.
Morris had received a national contract and signed a County Championship deal but was ruled out of the Ashes campaign in England due to a stress spot in his back revealed by scans. He is expected to serve as Mitchell Starc’s injury replacement for the upcoming home Test summer.
The Victorian seamer Scott Boland and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed the second half of the Ashes series due to a calf injury, have also been named in the Test squad.
Despite concerns about their recent form, veteran opener David Warner and wicketkeeper Alex Carey have retained their spots. Warner, who indicated his retirement from red-ball cricket after the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, seems set for a farewell tour.
Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, saying, “This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period. We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.”
The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to commence at Perth Stadium on December 14, with the first ball set for 1:20 pm AEDT.
Australian squad for the first Test vs Pakistan:
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Marsh
- Lance Morris
