Australia have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy series in India, which will start on 9th February.
Four spinners have been included in the traveling squad to India, with rising star Todd Murphy battling it out with Mitchell Swepson and Ashton Agar to be the spin partner of Nathan Lyon.
Peter Handscomb is also in line for a Test recall for the first time since January 2019 and will join Matt Renshaw in the reserve batters list. Marcus Harris was omitted from the squad.
Uncapped quick Lance Morris retains his place in the squad and could make his Test debut in India as Mitchell Starc will only be available after the first Test match in Nagpur.
All-rounder Cameron Green also faces a race against time to be fit for the opening Test in the Border-Gavaskar trophy after sustaining an injury during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
Young spinner Murphy has made his way into the squad on the back of some impressive performances for Victoria, Australia A and Prime Minister’s XI over the past year.
Speaking about the inclusion of the 22-year-old on Cricket Australia’s official website, Chairman of the selection committee, George Bailey, said that Murphy had progressed quickly, having impressed on the domestic circuit and has emerged as a strong spin option.
Bailey also said that the tour will allow the youngster to spend some time and learn from Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori.
“Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option,” Selection Chair George Bailey said.
“Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India which will be invaluable to his development.”
Australia Test squad for tour of India: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.