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Australia have announced their squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, to be hosted by India in February-March, and as expected, their main pacer Mitchell Starc has officially been ruled out of the first Test match between the two sides in Nagpur. Starc has been named as a part of the squad but, and is expected to return from his finger tendon injury in time for the second Test in Delhi.
The 32-year-old Starc suffered his injury during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, missing the third and final Test of the series in Sydney. He is expected to join the squad ahead of the second Test while Cameron Green, who himself is recovering from a broken finger, will travel with the squad ahead of the first Test.
The 18-man squad also features four spinners including uncapped Victoria offspinner Todd Murphy. These spinners include Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and Murphy.
“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,” Selection Chair George Bailey said.
“Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India which will be invaluable to his development.”
“Ashton Agar continues to impress following his comeback in Sydney and we believe left-arm finger spin will play an important role in Indian conditions," Bailey added.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Starc, Lance Morris might be in line to make his debut if Australia wanted extra ball speed in Nagpur while Starc is absent. Scott Boland has also been retained as a backup seamer after losing his place in Australia's XI for the final Test against South Africa.
Australia squad for India tour
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Ashton Agar, Lance Morris, Mitchell Swepson, Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Todd Murphy
Full Schedule
February 9-13, 1st Test, Nagpur
February 17-21, 2nd Test, Delhi
March 1-5, 3rd Test, Dharamsala
March 9-13, Fourth Test, Ahmedabad
