Aus squad announced for the first Test in the home series against Pakistan, captained by World Cup 2023 victor Pat Cummins.
The series opener is scheduled at Perth Stadium from December 14 to 18. David Warner, who announced his retirement from the longest format after a 12-year career, features in the squad for the initial Test alongside Usman Khawaja.
The team also includes Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.
Chief selector George Bailey noted there are opportunities for others to prove themselves for the subsequent Tests against Pakistan in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as the series against West Indies.
“We anticipate strong performances from domestic players, many of whom will get a significant chance in the Prime Minister’s XI match against Pakistan,” Bailey said in a statement.
Pakistan, aiming to break a nearly 30-year winless streak in Australia, is currently gearing up for the upcoming series.
Australia Squad:
- David Warner
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
- Scott Boland
- Cameron Green
- Lance Morris
Pakistan Squad:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hasan Ali
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
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)