Australia announce 14-man squad for first Test against South Africa; Josh Hazlewood ruled out

Australia will miss the companies of their key participant within the first Take a look at of the three-match sequence towards South Africa. The selectors have named a 14-member squad for the Aussies’ opening sport towards the Proteas.

Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a facet pressure in the course of the first Take a look at towards the West Indies final week, will want extra time to get well from his damage. Uncapped seamer Lance Morris has been added to the squad as Hazlewood’s cowl.

“Pat continues to enhance, bowled with freedom on Saturday and seems prone to play this match though Josh will want extra time,” Cricket Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey mentioned.

In the meantime, captain Pat Cummins is ready to return to the enjoying XI after having sat out of the second Take a look at because of a quad damage. His return would go away Scott Boland and Michael Neser to compete for the third pacer’s spot within the remaining XI.

“With that in thoughts, we’ve retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris within the squad for this match,” added Bailey.

“Michael bowled beautifully in Adelaide, as did Scott. We had been impressed as all the time with their performances that backed up what they’ve achieved prior to now. Lance is a really thrilling prospect who will profit from time with the squad.

“With a lot cricket forward, we proceed to hunt alternatives to develop and preserve our fast-bowling expertise and depth.”

The sequence towards South Africa looms as an important one for each groups as they search for place on the subsequent yr’s ICC World Take a look at Championship (WTC) remaining.

Australia’s complete 2-0 sequence sweep over the West Indies noticed them enhance their lead within the WTC standings, whereas South Africa stay in second place.

Australia squad for opening Take a look at towards South Africa:

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Inexperienced, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc.