Cricket Australia announced the Australia Test squad for the India tour scheduled to play between February 9 to March 22.
Australia Test Squad For India Tour
During the Australia tour of India 2023, both teams will play 4 Tests and 3 ODI matches. The Test series will be a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. Australia will take four spinners for the four-Test series scheduled to play in Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad.
Injured Allrounder Cameron Green and pacer Mitchell Starc were both named in the squad and are expected to return from injury soon. While uncapped fast bowler Lance Morris was retained in the squad as a backup.
Opener Marcus Harris, who was in the squad for their last Test against South Africa in Sydney last week, failed to make his way in to the squad for India tour.
“After a successful home summer the squad is excited by the challenge a Test tour to the subcontinent provides,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
“We have selected a squad that provides the depth and flexibility required to adapt depending on the conditions we may encounter.”
Bailey said the combination of left and right-hand batters, four specialist spinners and six fast bowlers, including Green, offered options in varying settings.
“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,” said Bailey.
“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.”
Handscomb, who has played 16 Tests, has been in fine touch in the domestic Sheffield Shield and was recalled for the first time since 2019, joining Matthew Renshaw as a reserve batter.
“Peter Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad. His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at the Test level,” said Bailey.
“His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close to the wicket catcher.” The Aussies players are expected to leave for India in early February.
Australia Test squad
Pat Cummins (capt), 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, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
