Todd Murphy earns maiden call-up as Australia name squad for India Tests

All eyes will be on Steve Smith [Source: AP]

In a significant turn of events, Australia have announced a robust eighteen-member squad for the upcoming four-match Test series against India. Pat Cummins will lead the team, with Steve Smith playing his deputy. 

As expected, Australia have included four spinners, including uncapped Todd Murphy, who has received his maiden call-up. Besides him, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and veteran Nathan Lyon comprise the spin bowling unit. 

Meanwhile, the presence of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Lance Morris and Scott Boland, apart from skipper Cummins, make their pace battery formidable. 

In another major development, veteran batter Peter Handscomb, who was recently recalled during the third Test against South Africa, has maintained his place in the squad. 

Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green, who recently missed the Sydney Test due to injury, have been picked in the squad. However, as per the latest news, Starc is doubtful for the first Test in Nagpur starting on February 9. 

Here's what CA Chairman of Selectors George Bailey stated

"Ashton Agar continues to impress following his comeback in Sydney and we believe left-arm finger spin will play an important role in Indian conditions. Mitchell Swepson has recent Test experience in the sub-continent and offers leg-spinning variety. Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option,

"Peter Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad. His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at Test level. His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close to the wicket catcher."

Australia squad for India Tests

Pat Cummins (C), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

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