As the fate of the WTC final hangs fairly in the balance with India and Australia going head-to-head against each other for four staggering Tests, Cricket Australia announced their squad for the upcoming contest, revealing a new spin weapon in Todd Murphy as he has impressed of late for the Sydney Sixers in the ongoing edition of BBL.
Alongside Todd, there was also a surprise addition in Mitchell Swepson as the duo was added to the ranks in order to bolster the spinning echelons that will be spearheaded by a seasoned Nathan Lyon and will also have the likes of Ashton Agar to add further variety.
In the batting department Australia included the likes of Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscomb that saw Marcus Harris being given the axe. Despite a plethora of spinning options, Australia will once again be banking upon their pace unit that features five fearsome quicks in Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland and Lance Morris.
Mitchell Starc will not be a part of the first Test in Nagpur on February 9th due to a finger injury and will be joining the side from the second Test while Cameron Green will continue to be a part of the squad throughout the tournament.
Australian chief selector, George Bailey said, “We have selected a squad that provides the depth and flexibility required to adapt depending on the conditions we may encounter.” He also shed some light on the inclusion of an uncapped Todd Murphy adding, “Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option.”
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, 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.
