Australia have made a change to their squad for the remaining three Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has replaced Mitchell Swepson as the latter has flown back to Australia for the birth of his child. Kuhnemann is also in contention to play the second Test set to be played in Delhi from 17 February.
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Australia already have a quality left-arm spinner in Ashton Agar, so it is to be seen if Pat Cummins and Co. will include Kuhenmann for the second Test. Australia are hopeful Cameron Green, whose recovery from a finger injury has progressed well, could return in Delhi. The allrounder's return could allow them to pick a third spinner along with Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy if conditions suit.
But that appears unlikely if pace Mitchell Starc, who will link up with the squad in the Indian capital after his own finger injury, is fit for second Test. Matthew Renshaw, meanwhile, is carrying a knee concern, meaning the Aussies will be sweating even harder on Green’s availability to bat in the middle order.
Kuhnemann, who was a surprise limited-overs debutant for Australia on their tour of Sri Lanka last winter, claimed 2-55 off 21 overs and 1-67 off 23 overs at the MCG in the current round of Marsh Sheffield Shield.