NEW DELHI: Victoria uncapped off-spinner Todd Murphy was included in the 18-man squad as Australia kept their bowling options wide open with four spinners and six quicks for the upcoming four-match Test series in India.
The squad, announced on Wednesday, also saw veteran batsman Peter Handscomb being recalled.
The 22-year-old Todd will be joining the likes of off-spinner Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson in the spin department for the matches to be played in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamshala and Ahmedabad.
All-rounder Cameron Green and pace spearhead Mitchell Starc have also been named in expectation of their returns from injury while uncapped pacer Lance Morris was retained in the squad as a back-up.
India vs Australia Test series schedule
February 9-13: First Test, Nagpur
Left-armer Agar retained his place in the squad despite failing to take a wicket in the weather-disrupted draw with the Proteas that concluded on Sunday, his first Test since 2017.
"Ashton Agar continues to impress following his comeback in Sydney and we believe left-arm finger spin will play an important role in Indian conditions," head selector George Bailey said in a news release.
"Todd Murphy has progressed quickly having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option.
"Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India, which will be invaluable to his development."
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc missed the Sydney Test with a finger injury and will not join the squad until after the first Test, while all-rounder Cameron Green has been selected in the expectation that he will recover from his broken finger.
Josh Hazlewood retained his spot after being the standout bowler in Sydney on his return from injury with skipper Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and the uncapped Lance Morris the other pace options.
Swepson and middle order batsman Peter Handscomb were the other additions to the squad that beat South Africa, while opener Marcus Harris missed out.
"Peter Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad," Bailey added. "His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at Test level.
"His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close-to-the-wicket catcher."
Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), 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, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
(With inputs from Reuters)
