Cricket Australia has announced the squad for the first 2 of the 4 Tests against India. Victoria’s opening batsman Marcus Harris received his maiden Test call-up. The left-hander impressed in the ongoing Sheffield Shield 2018-19 season. He has accumulated 437 runs in 6 innings so far with the highest score of 250.

Another Victorian to earn a selection is Chris Tremain. The pacer has accounted for 24 wickets in 8 innings which make him the second highest wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield. Trevor Hohns, the National selector, was impressed with the 2 Victorians and mentioned that the 2 deserved a place in the squad.

“Marcus Harris has forced his way into the squad after an impressive start to the Sheffield Shield campaign for Victoria, and in recent times has performed in high-pressure matches, including Sheffield Shield finals. Not only has he made plenty of runs, he’s displayed the mental application we believe is required to compete at Test cricket,” said Hohns as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“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. He has also been a consistent wicket-taker over the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves his place in the squad,” added Hohns.

Khawaja retains his place despite injury concerns

Middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb returns to the side after missing out on the series in UAE against Pakistan. There were doubts over the fitness of Usman Khawaja after the injury but the opener manages to stay in the side.

“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 set-backs, all the signs are indicating he will be available for the first Test. We saw how well he performed against Pakistan in the UAE, and we hope he can recapture that form over the summer,” told the Cricket Australia selector.

The first of the 4 Tests begins on December 6 in Adelaide. The selector mentioned that the 12-man squad will be announced prior to each Test. Additionally, the remaining 2 players in the squad will be released to represent their respective teams in the Sheffield Shield.

“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,” Hohns said. “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.”

Squad for the first 2 Tests against India as announced by Cricket Australia

Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood (VC), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh (VC), Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (C), Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain

Also Read: India vs Australia 2018: Full schedule of the tour

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