Australia Test Squad: Australia captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the second Test against the West Indies due to an injury. Cummins, who did not bowl in the first Test’s second inning, will likely not play in the Adelaide match. Lance Morris and Michael Neser, meanwhile, have been added to Australia’s squad in preparation for the pink-ball match. In light of Cummins’ injury in Perth as well as the upcoming back-to-back Test matches later this month, Australia’s selectors have decided to strengthen the pace unit. Follow AUS vs WI LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Australia Test Squad: Australia bolster pace attack amid injury concerns to Pat Cummins, add Michael Neser and Lance Morris for second Test against West Indies
Morris, 24, has more wickets this year than any other bowler in Australia’s domestic Sheffield Shield tournament and often clocks speeds of more than 150 km/h. Neser, meanwhile, has been one of the most reliable players at the local level for more than a decade and played his lone Test for Australia against England in Adelaide last year.
The introduction of Morris and Neser does provide selectors additional pace options should conditions be favourable, however Scott Boland, who is already in Australia’s squad, would be the obvious choice to replace Cummins should the captain miss the second Test.
The Australian squad just got a whole lot wilder! pic.twitter.com/9rH08C9NPf
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 5, 2022
“Michael (Neser) has been with the squad on a regular basis in past seasons and was simply outstanding in Adelaide last summer,” said selection chair George Bailey. “He has continued to perform incredibly consistently since and will be warmly welcomed back. Lance is another of the outstanding young fast bowlers coming through the ranks. He has genuine pace and his ability to create opportunities for wickets is a real drawcard. It will be a great experience for him to come into the environment.”
The fast bowling reinforcements are a result of Australia’s upcoming busy schedule in the season and the first half of 2023, as well as injury worries and preventative measures. Due to a thigh strain, Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins was unable to bowl on the fifth day of Australia’s win against the West Indies in Perth. While he is confident in his ability to recover before the Day-Night Test, Australia still have three more Test matches against South Africa, a significant tour of India, and the Ashes to play next year.
Australia squad for Adelaide Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Michael Neser, Lance Morris
Australia Test Squad: Australia bolster pace attack amid injury concerns to Pat Cummins, add Michael Neser and Lance Morris for second Test against West Indies
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