#IndiaInAustralia: Hosts name 14-member squad for the first two Tests
The Test series between Australia and India starts from December 6 and Cricket Australia has announced a 14-man squad for the first two matches. Two uncapped players have been included in a rather strong squad. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja has returned from injury to bolster the batting. Peter Handscomb, who was dropped for the series against Pakistan, also makes a return. Here's more.
This is the 14-man squad announced by Australia
Australia's 14-man squad: Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood (vice-captain), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh (vice-captain), Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (captain and wicket-keeper), Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle.
Harris, Tremain included in the squad
The two uncapped players are Victoria opener Marcus Harris and state team-mate Chris Tremain. Harris has been terrific in the JLT Sheffield Shield, amassing 437 runs at an average of 87.50. He hit 250* against NSW at the MCG. Tremain is one of the five pacers in the side. He has picked 24 wickets in the ongoing JLT Sheffield Shield.
5-men Aussie pace attack looks solid
Aussie pace bowling attack has the potential to trouble the Indian batsmen. The trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dominated England in the 2017-18 Ashes with 66 wickets. They form the crux of this side. Peter Siddle, who made a return to the Test team against Pakistan, keeps his place. Along with Tremain, it is quite a dangerous line-up.
Lyon adds substance as spinner
Premier spinner Nathan Lyon will be the perfect foil for the pace bowlers. He picked 21 wickets in the 2017-18 Ashes. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is there as well and adds value in the middle order and the side's fifth bowler.
A look at the Australian batting
The focus in batting will be on the likes of Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and Khawaja. These three are being backed to get the runs against a fancied Indian bowling line-up. Peter Handscomb is likely to make the cut after being in form in both JLT Cup and Sheffield Shield. Harris may open with Finch, with Khawaja and Marsh following suit.
