Ashton Agar and Usman Khawaja have been named in Australia’s full-strength line-up for the upcoming three-Test tour of Pakistan in their first squad announcement since Justin Langer has resigned as the coach.
The confirmation of squad was made three days after Langer announced that he had rejected a six-month contract extension offered by Cricket Australia and quit. This decision has left Andrew McDonald as interim coach.
Opener Marcus Harris has been included in the squad and Josh Hazlewood has returned to a pace-bowling group which includes Mitchell Starc, Cummins, Scott Boland, Michael Neser and allrounder Cameron Green.
“This squad covers for all scenarios, including the conditions, given it has been such a long time since Australia was last in Pakistan,” said George Bailey.
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“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.” he added.
“Clearly there’s some anxiety about touring, and that’s perfectly natural given an Australian cricket team hasn’t toured Pakistan for almost 25 years,” said Greenberg.
“We may have one or two players that won’t be comfortable despite all of the advice and guidance that we provide, and that’s OK.” he further said.
