Australia has announced a spin-heavy squad for their upcoming four-Test series in India starting February 9, with an aim to win their first Test series in India since 2004. The 18-member squad includes uncapped off-spinner Todd Murphy, who has only seven match first-class experience, joining fellow spinners Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon. The squad also includes Peter Handscomb and Matthew Renshaw as batting backups.
Due to a finger injury, fast bowler Mitchell Starc will miss the first Test in Nagpur on February 9 and is likely to join his pace colleagues later for the rest of the series. All-rounder Cameron Green will also be part of the contingent as he races against time to recover from a finger fracture.
On Murphy’s call-up, chief selector George Bailey said: “Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option.” Murphy will be Nathan Lyon’s understudy, having taken 29 wickets in his seven first-class games so far. He has also played 14 List A and 8 T20 games.
Bailey added that Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad. “His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at the Test level,” Bailey said. “His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close to the wicket catcher.” Handscomb last played a Test in 2019.
Australia will also play three ODIs in India but the squad for the limited over series will be announced at a later date.
