The Australian Test team has been reduced to 13 players for the forthcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, following the end of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. After the Perth Test, Lance Morris, who was originally in the team, will play in the Big Bash League (BBL). He will play for the Perth Scorchers against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 at Optus Stadium.
With the return of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—all of whom are playing well after their time at the ODI World Cup—as well as the addition of Scott Boland, Morris is released in order to increase his involvement in the BBL. Interestingly, Cameron Green will stay with the team as the 12th player, despite not having a BBL contract. Morris is still included in the national plan and will be taken into consideration should the necessity arise, Selector George Bailey confirmed.
According to ESPNcricinfo, national selector George Bailey stated, “Lance Morris has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise.”
Battle over player availability between CA and BBL teams
But there have been reported conflicts over player availability between Cricket Australia and BBL franchises. After the Prime Minister’s XI side lost four players in the first BBL games, Brisbane Heat voiced their displeasure. In keeping with the ongoing talks on player commitments, Michael Neser was left out of the PM’s XI to play for the Heat in their BBL opener against the Stars.
Victoria announced a squad for a two-day tour match against Pakistan at the Junction Oval in Melbourne prior to the second Test. The squad included Test players Marcus Harris, Peter Handscomb, and Will Pucovski. The Victoria XI, which consists of players without BBL contracts, will make use of the three players’ presence prior to the upcoming Test match.
Australia squad for Melbourne Test: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey,Lance Morris was cut from the Australian Test team to increase participation in the BBL. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Scott Boland.
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