Australia announce 18-man squad for India Tour, Mitchell Starc likely to miss first Test

Australia have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy series in India, which will start on 9th February. Four spinners have been included in the traveling squad to India, with rising star Todd Murphy battling it out with Mitchell Swepson and Ashton Agar to be the spin partner of Nathan Lyon.

All-rounder Cameron Green and pace spearhead Mitchell Starc were both named in expectation of their returns from injury. Uncapped quick Lance Morris was retained in the squad as a backup. Opener Marcus Harris, who was in the squad for the last Test against South Africa in Sydney last week, missed out.

Young spinner Murphy has made his way into the squad on the back of some impressive performances for Victoria, Australia A, and Prime Minister's XI over the past year. Speaking about the inclusion of the 22-year-old on Cricket Australia's official website, Chairman of the selection committee, George Bailey, said that Murphy had progressed quickly, having impressed on the domestic circuit and has emerged as a strong spin option.

Todd Murphy has progressed quickly: George Bailey

Bailey also said that the tour will allow the youngster to spend some time and learn from Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori.

“Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option, Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India which will be invaluable to his development.” Selection Chair Bailey was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Starc is likely to be ruled out of the first Test against India in Nagpur but has still been named Australia's 18-member touring squad for the four-Test series. Starc suffered a finger tendon injury during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa and was ruled out of the third and final Test of the series in Sydney.

Australia Test squad for India tour: Pat Cummins (capt), 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, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner