Australia's national cricket selectors named a four-man spin squad for the upcoming four-Test tour of India on Wednesday, with rookie spinner Todd Murphy making the cut after some outstanding performances at the domestic and Australia A levels.
Murphy joins experienced campaigner Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson as potential spin partners for Nathan Lyon on a tour that will put their bowling resources to the test.
Agar recently returned to the Test squad and played the third and final Test against South Africa, and he remains a favourite as the national selectors confirmed an 18-player squad for the four-Test Border-Gavaskar series.
Swepson had played four of Australia's five Tests on the subcontinent last year, taking ten wickets and taking 45 runs, and was preferred over white-ball leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
In February/March, the Australian men's team will play Test matches in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamshala, and Ahmedabad. A squad for three one-day internationals will be named later.
In addition to bolstering their spin attack, the Australian selectors bolstered their batting against spin by including Peter Handscomb in the side.
"Peter Handscomb, Todd Murphy, and Mitchell Swepson have been called up from the previous Test match in Sydney, while Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc have been named in anticipation of successful returns from injury. Marcus Harris was not chosen "Cricket Australia issued a statement on Wednesday.
George Bailey, Chairman of the Selectors, stated: "Following a successful home summer, the squad is looking forward to the challenge that a Test tour to the subcontinent will provide. We have chosen a squad that has the depth and flexibility needed to adapt to the conditions we may face."
Bailey believes the team's mix of left and right-handed batters, four specialist spinners, and six fast bowlers, including allrounder Cameron Green, provides options in a variety of situations.
"Peter Handscomb deserves to be back in the team," Bailey stated. "His domestic form has recently been strong, and Pete has shown he can perform at the Test level. His subcontinental spin experience is invaluable, and he is also an exceptional close to the wicket catcher "Cricket Australia quoted Bailey as saying in the release.
The pace attack will be led by Pat Cummins and will include Mitchell Starc, who will join the squad after the first Test in Nagpur, Scott Boland, and Lance Morris, with pace-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green serving as a backup. Starc missed the third Test against South Africa due to a finger tendon injury.
Bailey defended their selection of spinners in the squad, claiming that it provides variety and allows Murphy to learn by teaming up with Lyon. Murphy, who had only played one first-class match prior to 2022, is seen as a possible long-term successor to Lyon.
"Following his comeback in Sydney, Ashton Agar has continued to impress, and we believe his left-arm finger spin will be crucial in Indian conditions.
"Mitchell Swepson has recent subcontinent Test experience and offers leg-spinning variety," he said.
"Todd Murphy has made rapid progress, impressing in domestic cricket and most recently with Australia A. Todd has emerged as a viable spin option as a result of his recent performances.
"Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity for Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori to spend time together in India, which will be invaluable to his development," Bailey added.
He also stated that the squad's performance will be evaluated following the second Test.
"The tour coincides with the start of the Marsh Sheffield Shield competition in Australia, and the long break between the second and third Tests may provide an opportunity to review the squad and make any necessary adjustments," Bailey explained.
Australia will leave for India in early February. The first Test will be played at Nagpur from February 9-13, and the second at New Delhi from Feb 17-21. The Test will be played at Dharamshala from March 1-5 while the fourth will be held at Ahmedabad from March 9-13. The three-match ODI series will start on March 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Australia: squad for India Tests:
Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.