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Australia’s selectors have opted against tinkering with the side which won the first Test against Pakistan in nail-biting fashion at the Gabba.
In the wake of the first Test victory, Australia announced an unchanged 12-man squad for the Boxing Day Test, retaining under-fire duo Nic Maddinson and Nathan Lyon in the side.
» Five talking points from Australia vs Pakistan first Test
» Match report and highlights: Australia claim thrilling victory at the Gabba
» As it happened: Ball-by-ball details and full scorecard from the first Test
Maddinson has managed just five runs across his three Test innings to date, although the attacking left-hander was singled out for praise after his three-ball, four-run effort in the second innings at the Gabba, perishing on the deep square leg boundary in the search for quick runs.
Helping the New South Welshman’s cause is Shaun Marsh’s ongoing recovery from a broken finger sustained during the first Test of the summer against South Africa at the WACA.
Marsh impressed at the top of the order with two solid opening partnerships against the Proteas alongside David Warner, although the Western Australian’s injury put him out of the subsequent three Tests of the summer.
There was speculation that Marsh would come back into the side, albeit in a different, middle-order role, in place of Maddinson on Boxing Day, however he has been unable to prove his fitness in time.
Also under the selection microscope has been spinner Nathan Lyon, who could manage a match return of just two wickets from 40 overs at the Gabba.
However the selectors have once again picked Lyon as Australia’s lone spinning option alongside four quicks in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers.
After missing out on a Test debut in Brisbane, Sayers’ chances of a maiden baggy green appearance at the MCG appear slim, unless one of Starc, Hazlewood or Bird pulls up sore following the first Test win.
Both Starc and Hazlewood bowled 56 overs during the match, while Bird also got through plenty of work, bowling 45 overs at the Gabba.
Australia’s selectors have said they will monitor the players in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test, leaving open the possibility of adding some new faces to the squad should anyone pull up injured.
The final XI will be announced closer to the start of the Test.
Australian squad for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan
David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers
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