Limited-overs specialist Aaron Finch is among the five uncapped players who have been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The squad, led by Tim Paine, will play two Tests against Pakistan, the first commencing on October 7 at Dubai International Stadium and the second commencing on October 16 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Finch has represented Australia in 93 ODIs and 42 T20Is. He has played 76 first-class games in which he has scored 4338 runs at an average of 36.15 with seven tons and 27 half-centuries.
Apart from Finch, the squad features – Queensland trio Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Marnus Labuschagne, South Australia’s Travis Head who are yet to debut at Test level.
“It’s a blend of experienced players who have a significant amount of either Test or first-class cricket, and a number of younger players who we are confident are ready for the Test arena,” said Trevor Hohns, Australia’s national selector, in a statement on Tuesday.
“Looking at the conditions we may face in the UAE, we believe this squad covers all bases. We have selected four front-line fast bowlers and three spinners, with Mitchell Marsh ready to play as an all-rounder and a number of top-order batsmen who also offer part-time spin options,” he added.
Speaking about Finch’s inclusion, Hohns said, “Aaron is in sensational form, and this is the right time to give him a chance to play Test cricket. He has performed well in the Sheffield Shield in recent seasons, and brings added experience and leadership to this group.”
BREAKING NEWS:
Australia Test squad for #PAKvAUS: Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc.
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) September 11, 2018
While 62-Test veteran Peter Siddle has been recalled to the side, the likes of Joe Burns, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, and Jhye Richardson were considered, but not selected.
“Peter is a proven performer in the Test arena, who has been in outstanding form in his recent first-class outings over in England. His experience will be crucial for this bowling group, and we know that he is a warrior who can bowl the type of long, tight spells which may be required in the conditions we expect to face.”
Australia squad: Tim Paine (capt, wk), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc
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