Rising star Todd Murphy has been added to the Australian test squad for Wednesday’s Tour of India as a potential spin partner for Nathan Lyon, while batter Peter Hanscomb has been recalled.
Australia will take four spinners in his four series of tests in Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad from February to March, and Mitchels Wepson will also win a contract along with Ashton Agar .
All-rounder Cameron Green and Pace frontrunner Mitchell Stark have been named in anticipation of their return from injury. Capless fast Lance Morris was left with the team as a backup.
Opener Marcus Harris, who was in the squad for the final friendly against South Africa in Sydney last week, just missed it. “After a successful summer at home, the team is looking forward to taking on the challenge of a test tour to the subcontinent,” said selection committee chair George Bailey.
“We have chosen a roster that provides the depth and flexibility needed to adapt to the situations we may encounter.”
Bailey said his combination of six fast-his bowlers, including left and right batters, four specialty spinners and greens, offers options in a variety of settings.
The 22-year-old Murphy is favored over whiteball specialist Adam his Zampa after performing well in Victoria and Australia A over the last 12 months, with selectors lining him up to replace veteran Lyon. We are looking at the long term.
“Todd Murphy has been impressive in domestic cricket and most recently in Australia A. These performances have made Todd emerge as a strong spin option,” Bailey said. “Having been selected for this team will provide him with another opportunity to spend time in India with Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori, which will be invaluable in his development.”
Having made 16 Test appearances, Handscombe has been in form at home in the Sheffield Shield and was recalled for the first time since 2019 when he joined Matthew Renshaw as reserve batsman.
“Peter Hanscombe is back in the team. His domestic form has been strong lately and Pete has shown he can play at Test level,” Bailey said.
“His experience with spins on the subcontinent is invaluable and he’s also a near-wicket catcher.”
Australia he will leave for India in early February.
Australia Test squad for India tour: Pat Cummins(capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.