For the third and final Test of the series against the Proteas, the Australian team has expanded its 14-man roster to include Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw. The hosts dominated their opponents at the MCG, but they lost two of their important players in Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc to finger injuries. As a result, they lost the series.
Prior to the Sydney Test against the visitors, the National Selectors added Renshaw and Agar in an effort to strengthen their injury-riddled team. After suffering finger injuries in the second Test, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green were both unable to play in the series decider. Renshaw, who has played in 11 Tests for Australia, has vivid memories of the SCG, where he scored his lone Test century thus far.
“Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies. Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component,” said selector Tony Dodemaide.
Dodemaide was encouraged by the addition of top pacer Josh Hazlewood to the team, despite the fact that the Australian speed attack has recently been badly hampered by injury. However, with the series already won and inexperienced bowler Lance Morris vying for a spot for the hosts, the seasoned pacer might not play for the Aussies in the third Test.
“It’s a blessing to have Josh (Hazlewood) returning while Lance (Morris) offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill. This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match,” he added.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner
