Scorchers Trio Named In Test Squad

Perth Scorchers trio Ashton Agar, Mitch Marsh and Shaun Marsh have all been named in a 16-player squad for the Qantas Tour of India in February and March.

Australia will play four Tests against India in Pune, Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala respectively.

The squad includes six batsman, four spin bowlers, three pace bowlers, two all-rounders and a wicket-keeper.

Interim National Selector Trevor Hohns said: “Ashton is a good left-arm orthodox spinner who can be very exciting with the bat and also fields extremely well. He provides us with a great all-round package.”

Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh make up the all-rounders in the side.

“We know Glenn plays very well against spin and has a lot of experience playing in India,” Hohns said. “We think his ability with the bat, coupled with his handy off-spin will complement the bowling unit if required.

“We consider Mitchell as a bowling all-rounder and should we decide to play a two pace and two spin bowling attack it is important to have that third seam bowling option if conditions suit.”

Scorchers batsman Shaun Marsh returns to the side following injury earlier in the summer.

“Shaun is proven in sub-continent conditions and is coming off a hundred in his last Test match in Sri Lanka,” Hohns said.

“He is a very versatile batsman who can slot in at the top or the middle of the order.”

With the inclusion of only three fast-bowlers in the squad the NSP will reassess the fast bowling stocks after the second Test in Bangalore.

Selected members of the squad will depart on January 29 for Dubai to train, before the remainder of the squad follow after the Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand.