On Monday, Australia announced a smaller squad for the second Test against Pakistan in Melbourne, excluding backup fast bowler Lance Morris. The home team defeated the visitors by 360 runs in four days at Perth on Sunday, with off-spinner Nathan Lyon taking his 500th wicket.
Pak vs Aus: Morris out of Melbourne Test squad
Opening batsman David Warner scored 164 to secure his spot for the Boxing Day Test in his likely final series. After a poor run and Mitchell Johnson’s criticism that he did not deserve a hero’s farewell, the 37-year-old has said the third Test in Sydney will be his last. Morris was released for the Big Bash League with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood healthy and Scott Boland was the first candidate for a replacement.
“Lance has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise,” stated the chief selector. “Otherwise, the squad remains unchanged following the strong performance in Perth.”
Australia squad
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green
Australia tour schedule
- Four-day match: PM’s XI vs Pakistan – December 6-9: Manuka Oval, Canberra
- 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
- 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
