Matthew Renshaw and bowling allrounder Ashton Agar have replaced injured stars Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green in Australia’s 14-man Test squad
Agar could play as a second spinner and bat at No 7
Renshaw last played a Test in March 2018 when he rushed to South Africa after Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were stood down following the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.“Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies,” Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.
Unlikely to play against the Proteas in January, Renshaw’s inclusion could be a hint to what selectors have in mind for February’s tour of India. Renshaw featured in all four Tests the last time Australia toured India back in 2017. “Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component,” Dodemaide said.