Australia call pace duo as Pat Cummins remains doubtful for Adelaide Test

Lance Morris [Source: Twitter]

In what could be a potential setback for Australia, skipper Pat Cummins has not yet recovered from the quad injury he sustained in the first Test against West Indies and is, therefore, doubtful for the second Test. So, Australia have included Michael Neser and Lance Morris in their squad as backups. 

Cummins suffered quad soreness in the latter stages of the Perth Test, failing to bowl during the West Indies' second innings. Although the 29-year-old is still hopeful of getting fit in due course, the selectors have drafted Morris and Neser into the squad in case the Australia captain misses out. 

Neser played his only Test in the Ashes last year, scalping two wickets for 61 runs across both innings. On the other hand, Morris is one of the emerging talents from Australia who can consistently seam the ball at an express pace. The 24-year-old has been the most successful bowler in the Sheffield Shield this season, scalping the most number of wickets. 

Here's what Australia selection chair George Bailey stated

"Michael (Neser) has been with the squad on a regular basis in past seasons and was simply outstanding in Adelaide last summer. He has continued to perform incredibly consistently since and will be warmly welcomed back,

"Lance is another of the outstanding young fast bowlers coming through the ranks. He has genuine pace and his ability to create opportunities for wickets is a real drawcard. It will be great experience for him to come into the environment."

However, Scott Boland is already in the squad and is the front-runner in the race for Cummins' replacement. 

The second Test between the two teams is slated to begin on December 8 in Adelaide. 

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