All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been added to the Australian squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Stoinis is a chance to make his Test debut in Canberra after selectors released opener Matt Renshaw.
He has a first-class batting average of 33.61 but has had a stellar BBL campaign for Melbourne Star.
The 29-year-old will join an Australian squad still buzzing from their dominant Test win over Sri Lanka in Brisbane.
The second Test starts on Friday.
Stoinis’ selection provides the Australian squad an all-rounder option that has been lacking since the axing of former vice-captain Mitch Marsh.
“We made the decision to add Marcus to give us the flexibility to play an all-rounder in the event the conditions require an extra bowling option in the line- up,” national selector Trevor Hohns said.
“Marcus has been a consistent performer this season, he has displayed strong all-round form in first-class cricket and continued that form into the Australian ODI series against India.
“We’ve also decided to release Matt Renshaw from the squad so he can be available for the Brisbane Heat in their upcoming BBL fixtures.”
Stoinis will join the national squad when they assemble in Canberra on Tuesday.
Renshaw is set to feature in the Heat’s BBL clash with the Stars on Sunday night.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I think this may be a sign from the selectors that Stoinis is next in the queue as well as recognition for his performances in T20s and ODIs. Can't see him replacing someone in the current 11 after a comprehensive win but hope he is on the plane to England.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yeah...doesn't look right.
Matt P
Roar Rookie
Can’t drop Burns or Khawaja, because they’re top order bats and Stoinis isn’t going to make his test debut batting in the top order. Can’t drop Labuschagne or Head because they scored runs last innings. You would hope they wouldn’t drop Patterson after one test. Can’t replace any of the bowlers, unless the criteria about needing an all-rounder is actually about wanting a specialist bowler, in which case you’d pick an actual bowler first? Who does he come in for full stop? Bizarre selection.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Canbra must be as dry as old Pete Harvey's toast. Wasting a medium pace fifth bowler on that is insane. Glenn Maxwell anyone?
AREH
Roar Guru
They'd have to drop a bowler? He could be a real impact player at test cricket, but it concerns me being a player with a pedestrian FC batting record, especially the last couple of seasons.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
because they can catch.
Leebola
Roar Rookie
Looks like Stoinis is in as the "relief" bowler. With Hoff still recovering, I'd say Starc is safe (for now) and Uzzie might be sweating a little...
Maxwell Charlesworth
Roar Rookie
Yep, all this does is cause unstability in the side. We literally just bowled a team out for under 150 twice in a game we dont need any more bowling. If we did however, How about using the ones we already have in the side? Labuschagne and Head are handy bowlers and can give 10-15 overs together in an innings without worry.
JamesH
Roar Guru
The selectors can’t realistically drop any of the XI from the first test, except perhaps Starc (although that might mean Siddle gets picked, so no). This is just a pat on the back for Marcus.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
I don't mind the selection as i would like to see what he has got in test. His performance is ODI & T20 has gradually improved. But i would be seriously disappointed if it comes in expense of anyone who has been just picked. Starc & Khawaja has not performed so they should be of chopping block. Personally i would bring WillP in for khawaja & tremain for starc.
Paul
Roar Guru
This is as stupid a decision as the Patterson inclusion was a good one. He's not close to being a Test quality allrounder. Fine, give Starc a spell or Uzzie if the selectors reckon they're not performing but what happen to "pick & stick"?
anon
Roar Pro
More deserving all rounders like Maxwell, but what's wrong with just backing Renshaw in like they did with Finch, the Marsh brothers, like they continue to do with Khawaja.
3 R M
Guest
Taken in isolation this is the standard crazy selectors test pick but the last test we only bowled less than 120 overs it's 30 overs per quick in the hole game max ? The next test is the last of the summer against a depleted and brittle batting line up and they need an allrounder for bowling loads?? This is after they rested most of the attack for the one day series .to expand on the madness the could potentially weaken our own brittle batting that has just only managed to score 300 against an injury ravaged attack . I think they're nuts .
VivGilchrist
Roar Rookie
Khawaja and Starc desperately need to find form playing Shield cricket.... Does the BBL finish any time soon...please?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Burns or Ussie. Can't have 3 Qlders in the slips cordon. It doesn't look right.
VivGilchrist
Roar Rookie
He won’t play. Realistically who from the top 6 are they going to drop?
Tony H
Roar Pro
That was honestly the only thing I could think of too. Unless they dump Khawaja
Scott Pryde
Expert
Now that, would be straight out of left field.
Leuco
Roar Rookie
Stoinis in for Starc