India vs Australia Test Series: India is set to host Australia for the much-awaited four-match Test series. The first Test is set to get underway on February 9th at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
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The series will be an important factor in determining the finalists of the World Test Championship. On Wednesday, Cricket Australia announced an 18-member squad for the four-match series. While left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will not join the squad until after the first Test, all-rounder Cameron Green has been named in the squad as he is expected to make a full recovery from his broken finger.
The series will also see veteran batter Peter Handscomb making a comeback. Meanwhile, uncapped Victoria off-spinner Todd Murphy was also added to the squad. Todd will join the likes of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson and Ashton Agar in the spin department.
While Josh Hazlewood retained his place in the squad after his impressive return from injury, captain Pat Cummins, Scott Borland and uncapped Lance Morris make up for the pace attack.
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Four spinners & six quicks
With the series being held in India, the visiting Australian side announced their squad keeping their bowling options wide open. In the team announced on Wednesday, Australia named four spinners and six quicks for the Test series.
In a press release, chief selector George Bailey said, “Ashton Agar continues to impress following his comeback in Sydney and we believe left-arm finger spin will play an important role in Indian conditions.”
Having named Murphy in the squad, Bailey said, “Toddy 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.”
India vs Australia Test Series: Australia Squad
Pat Cummins (capt.), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
India vs Australia Test Series: Schedule
| Date | Test | Venue |
| 9th Feb – 13th Feb | 1st Test | Nagpur |
| 17th Feb – 21st Feb | 2nd Test | Delhi |
| 1st March – 5th March | 3rd Test | Dharamshala |
| 9th March – 13th March | 4th Test | Ahmedabad |
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