Two surprises in Australia squad

SPINNER Jon Holland and paceman Jhye Richardson are the surprise selections in a 15-man Australia squad named yesterday for the tour to South Africa next month.

Victorian left-arm spinner Holland, 30, played two tests for Australia against Sri Lanka in mid2016, but was passed over in the recent 4-0 Ashes test series win over England.

Richardson, 21, is one of five pace bowlers in the Australian touring party for the four-test series.

“Jon was the second-leading wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield last season and has performed well in the games he has played for Victoria this season,” chief selector Trevor Hohns said.

“We envisage the wickets we will see in South Africa will not warrant the need to play two spinners.

“But should Nathan Lyon not be able to play at any stage, we wanted to have the best specialist spinner available to us.”

Hohns said Richardson warranted his inclusion in the test squad for the first time.

“Jhye is a talented right-armer who bowls with very good pace through the air,” he said.

Cricket Australia said all members of the test squad would head to South Africa on February 15, with the exception of David Warner, who would captain the Australian T20 International side.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc.