Australia announced their Test squad for upcoming India series

Australia announced their 18-member test squad for the upcoming India tour next month. However, despite being selected, Mitchell Starc will sit out at least the first game of the four-game series, which starts on February 9 in Nagpur, as he continues to recover from the left index finger tendon injury that prevented him from playing in the third Test against South Africa of the recently concluded series in Sydney. In addition, the timely healing of Cameron Green's fractured finger is also necessary for his participation as an all-around player.

In Starc's absence, uncapped bowler Lance Morris may be in line to make his debut in Nagpur after keeping his position in the team. Another backup speed option in the group is Scott Boland, who could not play against South Africa in Sydney.

Six pacers and four frontline spin options—Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Agar, and Murphy—will guarantee that the visitors are well prepared for the various conditions in India, according to selectors chairman George Bailey.

"After making a return in Sydney, Ashton Agar has continued to improve, and we think that left-arm finger spin will be crucial in Indian conditions.” Bailed said.

"Mitchell Swepson provides leg-spinning variation and has recent Test experience in the subcontinent.”

"Todd Murphy has made fast progress after lately making an impression with Australia A and in domestic cricket. Todd has become a strong spin option due to those performances.”

He said that being chosen for this group gives Nathan Lyon "another chance to spend time with assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India, which will be essential to his development."

While Marcus Harris was left out, Peter Handscomb, who had been returned to the Australia Test side before the game at the SCG that was hampered by rain, kept his spot and will team up with Matt Reneshaw as the batting backup. 2019 was Handscomb's last Test match for Australia.

According to Bailey, Peter Handscomb "deserves" a spot back on the team. "Pete has shown he can compete at the Test level, and his domestic form has been good lately.

He is a fantastic close to the wicket catcher, and his experience playing against spin on the subcontinent is vital.

Bailey said that Australia would have time to make necessary changes to the team as there will be a week between the second and third Tests.

AUSTRALIA TEST SQUAD for the upcoming India series:

Pat Cummins (C), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner