Alex Carey to lead Australia A against Pakistan, spots in Test squad still open, says selectors

10/29/2019

Australian selectors confirmed on Tuesday that spots are still up for grabs for the two-match Test series against Pakistan, with Alex Carey leading the ‘A’ side with a number of contenders. Joe Burns, Will Pucovksi, Nic Maddinson, and Carey himself are all pushing their case for Test selection.

Ahead of Pakistan’s visit, former captain Ricky Ponting had declared Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and David Warner the only sure starters. Now, with the confirmation coming from the national selectors, the likes of Burns and Carey — who were unlucky to miss out of the Ashes squad — will look to exploit the opportunity presented to the maximum.

"We will closely monitor performances in this match as well as the coming rounds of the Sheffield Shield before deciding upon our squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan," national selector Trevor Hohns told AFP.

Burns will join Marcus Harris at the top of the order, with Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson and rising star Will Pucovski rounding out the top six for the ‘A’ side. Carey, who had a strong outing during Australia’s World Cup campaign, will look to build on his ever-increasing reputation.

"This fixture represents an opportunity to provide Alex with more leadership experience and he will be supported by two experienced vice-captains in Usman Khawaja and Travis Head," Hohns said.

Hohns further added that the selectors have had a keen eye out for young gun Pucovski and his Victoria teammate Maddinson for a while. Pucovski eyes a return to the international stage since he was released from a Test series against Sri Lanka last season to deal with mental health issues. While him hitting a first-class hundred earlier this month sparked attention, a recent double century from his Victoria teammate Maddinson has helped his case along as well.

Meanwhile, paceman Jhye Richardson is expected to make his comeback from a shoulder injury that saw him miss out on the World Cup and the Ashes series. He will be joined in the bowling attack by Michael Neser, Sean Abbott and Riley Meredith.

The three-day tour match against Pakistan will start on October 31 in Sydney, ahead of a two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide in November.