Selectors stick with Morris as Hazlewood ruled out

AUSTRALIAN selectors have opted to keep West Australian pace sensation Lance Morris in the squad for three Tests against South Africa after mainstay Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of at least the opening clash through injury.

Captain Pat Cummins is expected to be passed fit for the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting on Saturday, but national selection boss George Bailey said keeping Morris and Michael Neser, who was another late addition against the West Indies, was crucial given the bowling workload.

Morris was the only change to the squad that demolished the Windies 2-0, rolling the visitors for just 77 in Adelaide on Sunday to clinch the second Test, which Cummins missed with a quad issue.

“Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match, although Josh will need more time,” Bailey said.

“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 (Boland). 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. We continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth.”

Hazlewood bowled more than 40 overs in the opening Test against the Windies in Perth before missing the second with what was later found to be a side strain that also ruled him out of the final four Ashes Tests last summer.

He’s in a race against time to be fit to return for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, and while Cummins said over the weekend that it was a one-totwo-week injury, his return for the third Test in Sydney is also doubtful.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR FIRST TEST: Pat Cummins (capt), 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.