Cricket Australia (CA) announced the Australian squad for the third and final Test against South Africa, which will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 4–8, 2023. Australia has already clinched the Test series, having won the first two Tests against South Africa.
Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc were ruled out of the New Year’s Test against South Africa after they both suffered finger injuries during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. They are now racing against the clock to be fit for Australia’s much-awaited tour of India in February and March.
Injuries to Starc and Green opened the Test doors for Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw, as the spin all-rounder and the opener were recalled to the Australian side for the SCG Test against South Africa.
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide was quoted as saying by AFP: “Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component. Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies.”
On the other hand, the star speedster Josh Hazlewood has recovered from a side strain, and he is likely to play in the third and final Test at the SCG after missing the first two Tests against South Africa at home. CA also added uncapped pacer Lance Morris to the squad for the third Test.
Dodemaide added, “In terms of fast bowlers, it’s a blessing to have Josh returning, while Lance offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill. This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match.”
Australia squad for the third Test vs South Africa:
Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner
