Captain Pat Cummins is expected to play in the first Test against South Africa, beginning on Saturday in Brisbane, but Josh Hazlewood has been left out of Australia’s squad and may miss the three-Test series with a side strain.
Cummins missed the just-completed second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide, which Australia won by a record 419 runs, but has been bowling in the nets as he continues his recovery from a minor quad strain.
Pat Cummins with acting captain in Adelaide, Steve SmithCredit:Getty Images
The return of Cummins puts a squeeze on fast bowling places, with both Scott Boland and Michael Neser playing as injury replacements in Adelaide.
Both made a significant impact. Boland took three wickets in his first over during the second innings to smash the Test open, while Neser claimed three wickets on Sunday to finish with five for the match as the West Indies collapsed to be all out for 77. It was their lowest score against Australia since being bowled out for 51 in Trinidad in 1999.
Boland is favoured to retain his place ahead of Neser given he was in the original squad of 13. Neser and Western Australian tearaway Lance Morris were flown into Adelaide as injury cover after the short turnaround time from the first Test in Perth, which Australia won by 164 runs. The trio has been retained in a 14-player squad.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Cummins continued to improve.
Josh Hazlewood bowling in the first Test in Perth against the West Indies, where he suffered a side strain.Credit:Getty Images
“He bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match, although Josh will need more time,” Bailey said in a statement. “With that in mind we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match.
“Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott. We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad.
“With so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth.”
Australian squad for first Test against South Africa in Brisbane: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
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