Australia, on Monday, December 18, unveiled their 13-player squad for the second Test of the three-match series against Pakistan, set to commence from Boxing Day in Melbourne. Following stunning victory over Pakistan in the first Test, Australia's squad has been reduced from 14 members, with a young fast bowler Lance Morris being left out for the upcoming match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
David Warner remains part of the team following his remarkable century in the first innings of the opening Test in Perth, which concluded on Sunday with Australia securing a dominant 360-run victory over Pakistan. Lance Morris, the 25-year-old fast bowler who joined the squad for the first Test, has been released. The right-arm speedster will now be available to play for the Perth Scorchers in the ongoing Big Bash League season.
Australia squad for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
Notably, there will be an eight-day interval between the first and second Tests for the two teams, during which Pakistan will engage in a practice match before heading to Melbourne with the aim of equalising the series. Australia are expected to maintain their current pace-bowling unit for the second Test, marking the beginning of their domestic summer season. In the first Test in Perth, the Australian team bowled a total of 100 overs in the first innings, and and concluded the match on Day 4. This was after Pakistan was dismissed for just 89 runs in their final innings, lasting merely 30 overs in the fourth innings. The Australian bowlers showcased a dominant performance at the Optus Stadium without exerting much effort. Given that the fast bowlers are anticipated to be well-rested for the second Test in Melbourne, it seems improbable that local favorite Scott Boland will participate in the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, while hinting at unchanged XI for Melbourne Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins said,"I don't think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say it will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage. I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It's basically the ideal start to the summer.
As far as Warner is concerned, he place in Australia's playing XI remained unscathed as the veteran southpaw retained his spot following a compelling performance in the series opener. The left-handed opener responded to his critics with a commanding 164 runs in the first innings of the Perth Test which laid the foundation of Australia's convincing win. Despite being dismissed for duck in the second innings, his performance in the opener solidified his position in the team, especially as he approaches what is anticipated to be his farewell Test in Sydney at the conclusion of the series.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'Nonsense...can't accept this': Furious Pollock, Gavaskar tear into South Africa's batting fiasco in 1st ODI vs India
