Australian have recalled Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar for the third and final Test against Pakistan, to be played at the SCG from January 3. O’Keefe is making a comeback after a period of five months after he was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Tests due to an injury whereas Agar has made a comeback to the squad after a period of exactly two years. He was last called up to Test squad on December 30, 2014 for the final Test against India, though he didn’t participate in the game.

It is a special present for Agar as on Thursday he won the game for his team Perth Scorchers by hitting a six of the last ball of the game off Aaron Finch. A recall to the Test squad is the best reward he could have asked for.

Both Nic Maddinson and Chadd Sayers have been dropped. Maddinson, who was given another chance at the MCG, failed to impress as he could only score 22.

The change was inevitable as Sydney’s track is expected to provide assistance to spinners. Skipper Steven Smith has already indicated about the inclusion of two spinners for the game. There were also talks about Nathan Lyon being dropped but his strong performance in the second innings of the MCG Test might help him retain his place.

Australia’s squad for the third Test: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Hilton Cartwright, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade