Australia’s Test selectors are considering the inclusion of Western Australian fast bowler Lance Morris for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is reportedly dealing with a minor injury and could miss the first Test match.
Team Australia is gearing up for the summer of Tests with the Pakistan series scheduled to begin on December 14 at Perth Stadium in Perth. The hosts have a formidable record against Pakistan at home, having last lost in a Test match in 1995.
The selectors will announce a 14-member squad for the upcoming red-ball series on Sunday. Official confirmation of David Warner’s Farewell Test series will be made. Mitchell Marsh is expected to retain the all-round role, beating out Cameron Green for the role.
Mitchell Starc to miss first Test against Pakistan: reports
Mitchell Starc is dealing with a minor injury described as a “problem” but it will not stop him from starting the summer of testing. The pacemaker in his left arm is expected to be fit for the Boxing Day test, given a seven-day break. The final test will begin just three days after the second match.
Lance Morris was included in the squad to face the West Indies last summer but did not make his debut. He also accompanied the Australian team during their Test tour of India earlier this year. Despite being part of the team, Morris is yet to win his first Test cap.
Morris has been following a specific recovery program for stress fractures in his back. The 25-year-old, known for his ability to reach 150 km/h regularly, is considered an “equal” substitute for Mitchell Starc, who plays the role of enforcer in the bowling attack.
Pakistan tour of Australia schedule
First Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium Second Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Third Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Pakistan team for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk) , Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
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