AUSTRALIA PICK TWO UNCAPPED PLAYERS FOR INDIA TESTS

SYDNEY: Australia have named two uncapped players in an inexperienced squad to take on India next month in their first home series since Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year following the ball-tampering scandal.

Opening batsman Marcus Harris and paceman Chris Tremain were included in the 14-man squad announced on Thursday to take on the topranked Indians in the first two Tests of the four-match series in Adelaide and Perth.

Harris, who hit an unbeaten 250 for Victoria against New South Wales last month, was preferred to Matt Renshaw and looks likely to open the batting with Aaron Finch, who got his first taste of Test cricket against Pakistan in October.

“Marcus Harris has forced his way into the squad after an impressive start to the Sheffield Shield campaign for Victoria,” head selector Trevor Hohns said.

“Not only has he made plenty of runs, he’s displayed the mental application we believe is required to compete at Test cricket.”

Usman Khawaja has recovered from the operation he underwent after injuring his knee against Pakistan and will bring some welcome experience to the top order of skipper Tim Paine’s side.

Shaun Marsh, who has been in fine form with the bat recently, also offers plenty of Test match experience, while his allrounder brother Mitch is one of the team’s vice-captains.

Middle order batsman Travis Head also made his debut in the series loss to Pakistan and retains his place in the squad while batsman Peter Handscomb, who was dropped for the Pakistan Tests, returns for another chance to cement his spot in the side.

Renshaw, South Africa-born batsman Marnus Labuschagne, all-rounder Michael Neser and fast bowlers Jon Holland and Brendan Doggett have all been dropped.

As expected, the first choice pace bowling attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood remains intact while offspinner Nathan Lyon’s spot was also guaranteed.

Tremain, who earned his place in the squad with three five-wicket hauls for Victoria, and highly experienced quick Peter Siddle are unlikely to get a run unless there is an injury or Australia decide to go with a four- pronged pace attack. Squad: Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle.