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Australia have named left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh, fast bowler James Pattinson, and left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe in their squad to take on New Zealand in the third and final Test against New Zealand.
After the retirement of Mitchell Johnson and the injury to Usman Khawaja, there was plenty of speculation as to who would take the spots.
Khawaja was struck down by a hamstring injury on the second day of the second Test after scoring centuries in the first two Tests of the series, while Johnson announced his retirement before the final day’s play at the WACA.
Right-arm speedster Pattinson will vie with veteran Peter Siddle for the third seamer’s spot in the team, while the inclusion of O’Keefe gives the selectors the option of playing two spinners.
Shaun Marsh will replace Khawaja in the batting lineup, but it’s unclear where in the order he will bat. Khawaja batted at three in the first two matches.
Both Pattinson and Siddle played in Victoria’s recent Shield match against Western Australia. They both took one wicket in the first innings, while Pattinson took three in the second innings, with Siddle unable to manage a pole.
Marsh scored 64 and 33 in his two stays at the crease in that game.
Australian squad for the third Test against New Zealand at Adelaide
Steve Smith (c)
David Warner (vc)
Joe Burns
Josh Hazlewood
Nathan Lyon
Mitchell Marsh
Shaun Marsh
Peter Nevill
Steve O’Keefe
James Pattinson
Mitchell Starc
Peter Siddle
Adam Voges
Selector Rod Marsh said Shaun Marsh was unlucky not to be in the initial squad, and deserves the call-up:
“Shaun was unlucky to miss out on the squad for the first two Tests and since then has scored consistently in Sheffield Shield, so we believe he deserves this opportunity.
“We have opted to include an extra spinner in the squad for Adelaide as we are unsure what conditions we will see there. Stephen was included in our squad that was to go to Bangladesh and if he should get an opportunity we think he will make the most of it.
“James has made a good return to Shield cricket following his injury and has earned this re-call.
“He has worked incredibly hard and we are confident that he is ready to perform at Test level if selected.”
What do you think Roarers? Who of these players should be selected for the day/night Test in Adelaide?
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