After clean sweeping West Indies (2-0), Australia are all set to host South Africa for a three-match Test series starting on December 17. Cricket Australia on Monday (12 December) announced a 14-man squad for the first Test. While Pat Cummins who missed the second Test against the West Indies made a comeback to the side, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out till Boxing Day with a side strain.
The Australian cricket board has retained the rest of the 14 players that were a part of the two Tests against West Indies. While David Warner, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head are the specialist batters, Cameron Green is the only all-rounder in the squad. Alex Carey is the line wicketkeeper with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, Michael Neser, Lance Morris, and Nathan Lyon being the bowlers.
Chief Selector George Bailey gave an update about Pat Cummins and Hazlewood and also shed light on the pace trio of Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Lance Morris. "Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match although Josh will need more time," said selection chief George Bailey. "With that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match.
"Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott. We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad. With so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth."
Australia squad for first Test v Sout Africa: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner