SYDNEY (Australia): Talented Will Pucovski and Cameron Green were included in an expanded 17-man Australian Test squad to face India.
Opener Pucovski and all-rounder Green have been impressive in the domestic Sheffield Shield with some of the ex-Aussie stars urging their inclusion.
Selectors including coach Justin Langer, Trevor Hohns and George Bailey heeded the calls, but not at the expense of the out-of-form Joe Burns, who retains his spot alongside regular opener David Warner.
Rookie spinner Mitchell Swepson and seamer Sean Abbott, along with fast bowler Michael Neser, who has long been on the fringes, also made the grade and are in line for debuts.
“It is such a positive sign for Australian cricket to have so many good young players stepping into contention,” said Hohns. “Two of those many standout players were of course Cameron Green and Will Pucovski.”
Squad: Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Tim Paine (captain), James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
