Australia on Tuesday (February 8) announced a full-strength Test squad for their upcoming tour of Pakistan, with spinners Mitchell Swepson and Ashton Agar drafted to back up their formidable pace attack.

It will be a historic tour as the Australian team will visit Pakistan for the first time since 1998. Pat Cummins' side is slated to play a three-Test series in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore from March 4 to March 25.

Pacer Josh Hazelwood, who missed out on most of Australia's 4-0 demolition of England in the Ashes, is part of the squad, which also features Scott Boland, who impressed one and all with his stunning debut at MCG during the Ashes.

However, the 18-member squad has more backup in the spin department for stalwart Nathan Lyon, who is joined by leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and left-arm tweaker Ashton Agar.

Batters Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are also able to bowl spin, leaving the tourists with plenty of options if the pitches in Pakistan start to turn.

The Pakistan tour will be Australia’s first assignment after the resignation of head coach Justin Langer last week. Andrew McDonald has been appointed interim coach.

After the three-Test series, Australia will play three ODIs and one-off T20I on the tour of Pakistan from March 29 to April 5.

Australia Squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

(With AFP inputs)