Four on standby for Pakistan tour

CRICKET Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey has officially put together an 18-man squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

The Aussies are set to face Pakistan in three tests, three ODIs and one T20, with the selectors going for a squad to suit “all scenarios”.

Australia have gone with 14 of the 15 players who appeared in the recent Ashes series – with Jhye Richardson sitting out – while Ashton Agar, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Swepson have also been included.

While at this stage the squad appears to be at full strength, Bailey has now indicated who the four players are that are on “standby” in case of illness or injury.

For the batting department, Bailey said Queensland’s Matt Renshaw and Victoria’s Nic Maddinson will be the next called up.

“We’ve got four guys on standby,” Bailey said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

“That’s because of the risk of COVID and injury risk with some domestic cricket, plus these five internationals [T20s] over the next couple of weeks as well.

“Matt Renshaw and Nic Maddinson on the batting front I think are two guys that we’re really happy with how they’re going at the moment.

“We’re looking forward to them continuing their form over the next little period.”

While Renshaw and Maddinson already have baggy greens, the two bowlers Bailey has placed on standby are yet to play test cricket.

“Sean Abbott and Mark Steketee on the bowling front,” Bailey said. “They’ve both been around the Australian group at different times.

“Any of those four, when they do get their opportunity, I’m really confident they’ll do a great job.”

The first Test in Pakistan begins on 4 March in Rawalpindi.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN