Matthew Renshaw and Ashton Agar have been recalled to the Australian Test squad ahead of next week’s third and final Test against South Africa in Sydney.
Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both suffered finger injuries during the recent Boxing Day Test against the Proteas, ruling the pair out of the New Year’s fixture at the SCG.
On Friday morning, Cricket Australia unveiled a 14-player squad for the series finale in Sydney, with Renshaw and Agar the new additions.
Renshaw has not represented Australia since the 2018 Test tour of South Africa, while the most recent of Agar’s four Tests came in 2017.
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The West Australian all-rounder has never played Test cricket on home soil, and could partner with Nathan Lyon as a second spinner for the SCG match.
“Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component,” national selector Tony Dodemaide said in a statement.
“Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies.
“In terms of fast bowlers, it’s a blessing to have Josh (Hazlewood) returning while Lance (Morris) offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill.
“This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match.”
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Renshaw made his Test debut in November 2016 as a 20-year-old, scoring a maiden century against Pakistan at the SCG later that summer.
But following a disappointing Test tour of Bangladesh in 2017, he was axed in favour of Cameron Bancroft.
Renshaw took a break from cricket in early 2020 after being dropped from Queensland’s Sheffield Shield side, but has been one of the Bulls’ most prolific run-scorers since his return.
The 26-year-old is averaging 51.66 in the Sheffield Shield this summer, scoring an unbeaten double-century against New South Wales in Sydney.
Renshaw then turned heads during last month’s Prime Minister’s XI match against the West Indies in Canberra, smacking 81 and 101 not out against the pink Kookaburra.
“I am ready,” Renshaw told AAP when asked about the possibility of a Test re-call earlier this month.
“The last few years I have definitely re-thought about how I go about my cricket.
“The Aussie stuff is important but you can get caught up with your mindset and trying to play for that, rather than just playing for my team and doing well for Queensland.
“That is the big learning I have had, along with enjoying my cricket. If (a Test recall) comes then it comes. It will take care of itself.”
Meanwhile, Agar has seemingly leapfrogged incumbent back-up spinner Mitchell Swepson in the pecking order for second tweaker behind Nathan Lyon.
The 29-year-old is a verified all-rounder – he averages 28.38 with the bat in first-class cricket with three centuries to his name. Every Australian cricket fan remembers the 98 he scored batting at No. 11 on Test debut at Trent Bridge in 2013.
Agar could comfortably bat at No.7 if required, plugging the hole left by Green.
Secondly, Agar spins the ball away from right-handed batters, unlike Nathan Lyon who turns it from left to right. Having the two tweakers bowling in tandem means the outside edge is constantly under threat, regardless of who’s batting.
Steve O’Keefe’s 12-wicket haul in Pune might be all the motivation national selectors need to give Agar, another left-arm orthodox spinner, a ticket to India next month.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), David Warner
