No change in Australian squad for last 2 Tests against India
After their emphatic win in the Perth Test, Australia have named an unchanged squad for the remaining two games of the ongoing four-match series against India.
Australian opening batsman Aaron Finch, whose participation in the last two matches was in doubt owing to a finger injury that he sustained during the second Test, is also available for the remaining Tests. He was declared "fine" by Coach Justin Langer.
National selector Trevor Hohns said that they want to carry the winning momentum to the last two matches as well, which is why no changes were made in the team.
"With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle in the squad we believe we have enough fast bowlers to choose from, so we've made the decision to stick with the 13-person squad for the remaining two Test matches against India," Cricket.com.au quoted Hohns, as saying.
Australian skipper Tim Paine asserted that more than the team it is the conditions that would decide the right combination for the remaining of the Test series.
"Conditions are going to be different at the MCG than they were here and then in Sydney. We will have to pick what we think is the best combination to win both of those Tests. If it is this XI, then great. But if we have to make some changes I am sure will talk about that at some stage," Paine said.
Talking about their recently-concluded second Test, which they won by 146 runs, the wicket-keeper batsman said the victory is a huge boost to their confidence. He, however, added that the third Test would be a fresh game where they will have to put in the effort with the same intensity.
"It has been hard work. The first two Tests of this series have been really, really tough. Both teams have outstanding fast-bowling attacks. It has been a really bruising Test match to be honest. We have some really inexperienced players in terms of Test matches played. To get a win like that against the best team in the world is going to give them a huge boost of confidence, no doubt," Paine said.
"But it means nothing as soon as we get to Melbourne next week at the MCG. It's going to be on again from ball one so we have to maintain that intensity and match India in that area. If we do, we are going to be right in the fight again," he added.
Next, India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test of the series which is slated to be held from December 26-30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Following is the Australian 13-member squad for the remaining two Test matches against India:
Tim Paine (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Josh Hazlewood (Vice Captain), Mitch Marsh (Vice Captain), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc.
-ANI
