Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Harris, and Josh Inglis have all made a comeback to Australia’s team for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes series. Marsh, whose last Test appearance was in 2019, was added to the squad after strong performances in white-ball cricket. He played his first first-class match since 2021 in the Shield earlier this year, smashing an undefeated 108 to help Western Australia win.
Michael Neser ended the season with 40 wickets and Cameron Bancroft finished the Sheffield Shield with 945 runs, but neither player was picked for the team. On the other hand, Harris scored 601 runs, including two centuries and three 50+ scores, earning him a spot as Matt Renshaw’s backup opener. Inglis, who scored 199 runs and had 22 dismissals in the Shield, is expected to serve as Alex Carey’s backup as wicket-keeper.
“The World Test Championship is the culmination of more than two years of consistent performance at Test level by the team and the individuals involved, leading into an Ashes series which is always highly anticipated,” Australia selector George Bailey said.
“The UK is a very different assignment from our most recent tour of India and some of the changes are based upon the conditions we are anticipating.
“Marcus, Josh and Mitch return to the squad and will provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skill sets. We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC Final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour.”
Lance Morris sidelined from Australia’s squad
Due to a back injury that needs a six-week recovery, fast pacer Lance Morris, who was recently an integral part of the team that travelled to India for the Test series, will not be rejoining the team. Due to the decision to play for Glamorgan in the County Championship, Neser will also be missing from both the WTC final and the Ashes.
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland will be Australia’s fast pace options for the series; Cameron Green will play a supporting role, while Marsh will be the backup. After an excellent tour of India, off-spinner Todd Murphy retains his position in the team and replaces Nathan Lyon’s place as the reserve.
According to ICC laws and regulations, the 17-member squad will be reduced to 15 players before May 28 for the WTC final. From June 7 on, Australia will face off against India in the WTC final, a single Test match. The first Test of the Ashes series is scheduled to take place at Edgbaston starting on June 16.
Australia squad for WTC final and Ashes:
Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
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