Australia have named their first squad in the post-Justin Langer era, with no real surprises in the 18-man group for the tour of Pakistan.
The Test squad consists of every player who took part in this summer’s Ashes series bar quick Jhye Richardson, who was told a couple of weeks ago that he would be rested.
Four others; Ashton Agar, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Swepson, round out the squad.
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Perhaps the biggest question mark hanging over the squad is the top order, with both Usman Khawaja and Marcus Harris named.
It is unclear who will start the series alongside David Warner, although Khawaja will start favourite after a wildly successful Ashes.
It’s the first squad named since the resignation of Justin Langer, with Andrew McDonald taking the reins in an interim role.
A separate playing group for three ODIs and one T20 match will be named later.
“This squad covers for all scenarios including the conditions given it has been such a long time since Australia was last in Pakistan,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“With several subcontinent tours and a one-day World Cup in India on the near horizon this is a great first up challenge for the group after the successful home Ashes Series.
“It’s also a very historic tour given the length of time since an Australian side last toured Pakistan.”
It’s been 24 years since Australia last toured Pakistan, when Australia won the first Test by an innings and 99 runs before the last two were drawn. The visitors then completed a 3-0 sweep of the one-day series.
Australian squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
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