AUS SA 3rd TEST LIVE: Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw are likely to end their exiles as Australia seems prepared to completely restructure their team for a traditional spinning SCG pitch before the third and final Test against South Africa. Josh Hazlewood, who recently underwent surgery for a side injury, is expected to be called up to replace Pat Cummins as one of the two fast bowlers, with Agar joining Nathan Lyon as the other spinner. Follow AUS vs SA LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
AUS SA 3rd TEST LIVE: Australia aims clean sweep vs South Africa, will play 2 spinners in Sydney Test: Follow AUS vs SA LIVE Updates
After opening bowler Mitchell Starc and all-arounder Cameron Green suffered serious finger injuries in the second Test at the MCG, Australia is obliged to make two changes. Renshaw now has the opportunity to take Green’s place at No. 6.
The Australians are mainly leaning toward Agar rather than West Australian tearaway Lance Morris due to a dry and patchy SCG track, which is typical of earlier incarnations. Despite having an incredible Test record of 28 wickets in six matches at an average of 12, Scott Boland is also probably not going to make the cut.
The additional height of Hazlewood is viewed as a benefit on a pitch where varied bounce is anticipated. Agar and Renshaw haven’t played Test cricket in about five years, but both are anticipated to be selected in an extended team for the upcoming tour of India.
Following his century in the Boxing Day Test, wicketkeeper Alex Carey has been linked to a possible move up to No. 6, with bowling all-arounder Agar fitting in at No. 7. Cummins, meanwhile, downplayed the idea of five bowling specialists.
“Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne can bowl a bit (of spin) as well,” Cummins said. “[If] you pick five out-and-out bowlers, it probably takes it up to six or seven. So we’ll see.”
Morris’ debut in a Test would not be appropriate under the circumstances, he added. The 24-year-old has consistently been recorded going at 150 km/h.
Cummins, who found even less grass on the pitch when he arrived at the SCG for training on Tuesday, said, “I don’t think it’s the WACA-type, pace-bowling friendly wicket out there.”
Despite missing the first Test of the season with a side injury, Hazlewood appeared to have Cummins’ support for a comeback.
“He’s a class act,” Cummins said. “He’s played 50-odd games [Tests]. We’re as disappointed as anyone to not see him play as much Test matches over the last couple of years. I thought in Perth, he didn’t take a bag of wickets but he was our best bowler, he was fantastic. If he gets his chance, I’m sure we’ll get back to the super ‘Mr Consistent’ Joshy.”
Australia Probable Playing XIs: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
AUS SA 3rd TEST LIVE: Australia aims clean sweep vs South Africa, will play 2 spinners in Sydney Test: Follow AUS vs SA LIVE Updates
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