Injured tempo spearhead Josh Hazlewood on Monday was ruled out of Australia’s opening Test in opposition to South Africa in Brisbane this week, however skipper Pat Cummins “appears likely” to play.
Hazlewood, who has a facet pressure and missed the just-completed second Test in opposition to the West Indies in Adelaide, was the one omission in a 14-man squad.
ALSO READ: Ngidi all smiles in Oz as issues ‘shaping up nicely’ for Proteas
But Cummins is about to return after additionally sitting out the 419-run win in Adelaide with a thigh downside.
That means both Scott Boland or Michael Neser will miss out regardless of each impressing of their returns to the Test area in opposition to the Caribbean facet.
Uncapped speedster Lance Morris stays within the 14-man squad as a wildcard choice.
‘Exciting prospect’
“Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match, although Josh will need more time,” stated chief selector George Bailey.
“With that in thoughts, we’ve got retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris within the squad for this match.
“Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott,” he added.
“We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad.”
ALSO READ: Proteas batters within the runs once more, Bavuma will get time in center
Australia head into the primary of three Tests in opposition to the Proteas from Friday in red-hot type, having crushed the West Indies by 164 runs then 419 runs.
Australia squad
Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Source link
