Australia on Tuesday (November 8) announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies at home.
While opening batter Marcus Harris has been recalled to the Test side, Travis Head retained his place despite poor form lately.
Harris was part of the team during last year’s successful Ashes campaign against England but was dropped from the team for the tour of Sri Lanka in July.
Usman Khawaja, who was preferred as David Warner’s opening partner, is again expected to open with Harris being a backup option.
“Marcus Harris regains his place after continuing to perform for Gloucestershire in the English county competition and a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season,” George Bailey, the chairman of selectors, said.
Besides, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are the other premier batters in the line-up with Cameroon Green and Alex Carey being the designated all-rounder and wicketkeeper-batter, respectively.
Given that the Covid-19 protocols are now over, Australia have picked a relatively smaller squad, with fast bowlers Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson, and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson missing out.
“After some larger squads for the sub-continent tours over the winter, we have returned to a very similar squad to that which performed strongly last summer in comprehensively winning the Ashes,” said Bailey.
Australia will host West Indies in two Tests in Perth (November 30-December 4) and Adelaide (December 8-December 12).
Before that, Australia will play three ODIs against England in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne on November 17, 19 and 22 respectively.
For the 50-over series, Pat Cummins has been appointed captain for the first time after Aaron Finch retired from ODIs.
The ODI squad features big names such as David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Marcus Stoinis, among others. Travis Head has also made a return to the ODI squad.
Australia’s Test squad vs West Indies
Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Australia’s ODI squad vs England
Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
(With AFP inputs)
