Australia name 18-man squad to face Pakistan

Fresh off a resounding 4-0 Ashes series victory, Australia have named an 18-man squad for their upcoming three-Test tour of Pakistan, their first overseas Test tour in close to three years and first visit to Pakistan in nearly 25 years.

The Cricket Australia Board officially cleared the tour last week, with preparations in full-swing for the opening Test match on March 4 in Rawalpindi.

It will be the side’s first outing since the resignation of head coach Justin Langer last week and, whilst a replacement is yet to be named, there are not expected to be any major on-field changes following a successful Ashes campaign.

Australia’s squad is full-strength with off-spinner Ashton Agar the only addition to the victorious Ashes squad. The group consists of three spinners – Agar, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Swepson – and two wicket-keepers – Alex Carey and Josh Inglis – whilst quick Jhye Richardson is the only player who appeared in The Ashes to miss out and Marcus Harris has been named, despite being dropped for the fifth Ashes Test for Usman Khawaja.

Australia will also face Pakistan in a trio of one-dayers and a one-off T20 clash, however, squads for those matches are yet to be named.

Australia’s 18-man Test squad:

• Pat Cummins (c)
• Ashton Agar
• Scott Boland
• Alex Carey
• Cameron Green
• Marcus Harris
• Josh Hazlewood
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Usman Khawaja
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Nathan Lyon
• Mitchell Marsh
• Michael Neser
• Steve Smith (vc)
• Mitchell Starc
• Mitchell Swepson
• David Warner