Australia has announced a 13-member squad for the second Test against Pakistan, starting on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This team will be led by Pat Cummins and they have excluded backup fast bowler Lance Morris from the initial squad and are anticipated to maintain an unchanged playing XI for the Boxing Day Test.
The chief selector of the Australian cricket team George Bailey has clarified that Lance Morris was released from the squad to participate in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) who plays for the Melbourne Stars.
“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. Otherwise, the squad remains unchanged following the strong performance in Perth,” Bailey said.
Australia secured a 1-0 lead by dominating the visitors and achieved a comprehensive 360-run victory in the opening Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Veteran opener David Warner smashed his 26th century in his farewell Test series, not only this but Nathan Lyon also grabbed the milestone of achieving 500 wickets in the history of the longest format of cricket.
Australia squad for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan:
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green
