Selectors to go big for Test squad

THE COVID complexities of the Australian summer could deliver a lifeline to fringe Test players and bolters, with selectors set to unleash a super-sized squad to face India.

In a complicated selection process, coach Justin Langer, pictured, is expected to be given a squad of about 18 players when the panel announces its group to contest the fourTest series.

Typically, the first Test squad is a 13-man affair, while last year Australia took a 17man squad to England for the Ashes. But it could go bigger when the squad is announced, likely in mid-November.

It will open the door for face sold and new to push their case in the Sheffield Shield. There were initially fears that players, once selected in Test bubble, would be locked in there. However with restrictions easing, there is now some hope there could be some flexibility to allow fringe players to return to BBL sides.

Cricket Australia is conscious of the mental strain bubble life places on players, and one of its drawbacks was laid bare in England when Nathan Lyon went away for seven weeks but did not play a singlegame.

Of the 11 who played in Australia’ s most recent Test match, the 279-run thrashing of New Zealand at the SCG in January, seven are assured of retaining their place.

Captain Tim Paine, batsmen Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner, and bowlers Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are all assured of playing big roles — as is paceman Josh Hazlewood, who missed that Test with injury.