Uncapped duo named in Australian squad for India Tests
Victorian opener Marcus Harris is one of two new names in the Australian squad for the Test series against India, which starts in Adelaide next month.
The 26-year-old Harris, who scored an unbeaten 250 against NSW in the Sheffield Shield last month, joins Bushrangers seamer Chris Tremain in the 14-man squad, while Peter Handscomb returns.
Queensland batsman Marnus Labuschagne and Victorian spinner Jon Holland are the two players from Australia's last Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates not to be named, along with squad members Matt Renshaw, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
"The squad features a talented group of batsmen and bowlers who have displayed good form in the Sheffield Shield competition to date," national selectorTrevor Hohns said in a statement.
"We will select a final team of 12 prior to each Test, and the two remaining squad members will be released to get important match time in the Sheffield Shield.
"We believe all players chosen deserve their selection in the squad, and we're confident given the opportunity all will apply themselves well against India.
"With another round of Sheffield Shield matches to play, players have the chance to strengthen their cases for selection before we finalise the 12 in the lead–up to the first Test."
Harris said he had trouble remembering much of his phone call from Hohns when he found out he had been selected.
"All I remember is he (Hohns) said 'you're in the Test squad' and I can't really remember what else he said," he said.
"I sort of went into a bit of shock. He just said 'well done and well deserved, and you're part of the 14-man squad'."
Queensland earlier confirmed Usman Khawaja would return to cricket in the Sheffield Shield next week,having undergonesuccessfulknee surgery.
Handscomb on call if Khawaja succumbs to injury
Handscomb will provide batting cover in case Khawaja is not ready to go in the first Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 6.
"We've been really impressed with the way Usman Khawaja has applied himself through his rehabilitation and he's left no stone unturned in his bid to return in Adelaide. Barring any setbacks, all the signs are indicating he will be available for the first Test," Hohns said.
"We saw how well he performed against Pakistan in the UAE, and we hope he can recapture that form over the summer."
Handscomb has played 13 Tests for Australia, scoring 829 runs at an average of 43.63.
His last Test was against South Africa in Johannesburg earlier this year, when he made 0 and 24. He was not chosen for the series against Pakistan.
"Peter Handscomb has been recalled after missing out on the tour to the UAE. He's been one of Victoria's most consistent performers with the bat through the [domestic one-day cup] and Sheffield Shield," Hohns said.
"He's a well respected member of the dressing room, a calm head at the crease and has also played against India at Test level."
Tremain has taken 24 wickets at an average of 20.45 in this year's Shield competition for Victoria, including three five-wicket hauls.
The NSW native made his ODI debut for Australia in 2016.
"Chris Tremain has also been performing consistently with the ball for Victoria. His form in the Sheffield Shield has seen him become the second-highest wicket taker in the competition this season," Hohns said.
"He has also been a consistent wicket taker over the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves his place in the squad."
Squad: Pat Cummins,Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (c), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain.
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