Struggling opener Marcus Harris has been retained in Australia’s squad for the remainder of the series in a strong indication he will hold his place for the Boxing Day Test.
Captain Pat Cummins and senior quick Josh Hazlewood have both been named in an unchanged 15-player squad for the final three Tests of the series.
The selection focus will centre on Harris and Hazlewood as Australia aim to retain the urn in Melbourne.
Marcus Harris walks off after being caught out during the fourth day of the Adelaide Test. Credit:AP
Harris could yet be dumped for Usman Khawaja though the fact the squad has been named for three more games suggests the three-person selection panel will give him at least one more chance to cement his place in the team.
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Harris made just three and 23 in Adelaide, but there were encouraging signs in the second innings when he survived 17 overs of the new pink ball under lights only to be dismissed early the following afternoon.
Hazlewood must prove his fitness after suffering a minor side strain in Brisbane, which ruled him out of the day/night Test.
Often referred to as the grunt muscle for a fast bowler, side strains can be a difficult injury for the quicks to manage.
The return of Cummins to the XI after being forced out in Adelaide due to South Australia’s COVID-19 regulations lessens the need for Australia to take any risks with Hazlewood.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
Harris retained in squad for Boxing Day Test
Source: Philippines Alive
