As many as five changes have been announced by Cricket Australia in the squad for the third Test match against South Africa at Adelaide. Opener Nic Maddinson and wicket-keeper Mathew Wade has been called in as middle-order batsman Adam Voges misses out due to injury he sustained during the Sheffield Shield game recently.
BREAKING: A selection bombshell from the Aussies with five players axed and four potential debutants: https://t.co/Iud8TdmkNN#AUSvSApic.twitter.com/F23CX8p9l5
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) November 20, 2016
After suffering a humiliating loss by the hands of Proteas in the second Tests at Hobart, few surprises were foreseen in the Aussie squad ahead of the third Test. Steve Smith, who’s captaincy was questioned after the Test series loss, retained his spot as the side’s captain, shutting down the speculations of him being sacked from the post.
By axing five players the board gave a clear indication that poor form or technique won’t be entertained on the International level. The sacking of middle-order batsman Adam Voges seemed legitimate as his poor run of form did cost the home side on few occasions in the ongoing series. Joe Burn, Callum Ferguson and gloveman Peter Nevill were sidelined for the final Test.
Four uncapped players – Matthew Renshaw (Queensland), Peter Handscomb (Victoria), Nic Maddinson (New South Wales) and Chadd Sayers (South Australia) have been included in a 12-man squad.
Apart from Steve Smith, the board decided to stick with David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Jos Hazlewood for the Day & Night Test match starting 24th November.
Australia’s Squad:
Steve Smith (c), David Warner (VC), Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Matt Renshaw, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade.