Hilton Cartwright, the batting all-rounder, has been confirmed to make his debut in the third Test against Pakistan, which will also be the last Test of the summer for Australia. Steve O’Keefe has also made a comeback after being ruled out of Sri Lanka tour last year due to an injury. Cartwright has replaced the under-performing Nic Maddinson whereas O’ Keefe has come in place of Jackson Bird.

“Cartwright is an extra bowling option to go with the two quicks and the two spinners,” Smith told reporters at the SCG on Monday.

“It just adds a little bit to the bowling stocks, and he deserves an opportunity to play at No.6. Greg (Chappell) told him just over at the nets probably half an hour ago. I bumped into him in the change room just now and he seemed pretty excited, a big grin on his face, as you should when you’re about to debut for your country.

“It’s a dream come true for everyone that gets the opportunity and hopefully he can take his opportunity with both hands,” he said.

Hilton Cartwright was pretty excited on receiving the news of him making his Test debut and he feels that he can contribute in all aspects of the game, “I can definitely contribute overs during a game,” Cartwright said.

“That’s always been a part of my game. The bowling’s been there. I’ve just been trying to get it to work as close to (as good) as my batting.

“I’m preparing to have that opportunity to contribute 10, 15 overs, whatever it may be, to hopefully try and cement my spot,” Cartwright concluded.

While Australia have made two changes in the squad, we might see Pakistan also getting in with some surprising faces for the final Test. Misbah-ul-Haq’s availability for the final Test has come as a big relief for Pakistan, who will look to salvage some pride at the SCG.

Australia playing XI for the Sydney Test: David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Steve O’Keefe, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.