AUS vs SA: Agar, Renshaw called back for third Test

• Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw were added to the squad for the AUS vs SA third Test.
• Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc ruled out due to injury.
• Josh Hazlewood likely to play after recovering from side strain.

AUS vs SA: Ashton Agar and Matthew Renshaw were added to the Australia squad for the third Test against South Africa on Friday, but Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc were ruled out due to injury.

Next week in Sydney, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is likely to play after recovering from a side strain that held him out of the last two Tests.

Australia has already clinched the three-Test series after victories in Brisbane by six wickets and Melbourne by an innings and 182 runs.

Green did not bowl in the second innings of South Africa’s innings in Melbourne due to a fractured right index finger.

Starc bowled 18 overs despite having a fractured finger in addition to a bruised and bloodied one.

Both players will be out for several weeks and are racing against the clock to recover in time for Australia’s blockbuster February Test trip of India.

“Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component,” said selector Tony Dodemaide.

“Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies.”

Renshaw has been in 11 Tests, although not since 2018 against South Africa, whereas Agar has appeared in four Tests, the most recent of which was in Bangladesh in 2017.

With Hazlewood recovered from a side strain and the acclaimed most exciting fast bowler in Australia, Lance Morris, still in the team, selectors have plenty of alternatives.

“In terms of quick bowlers, it’s a blessing to have Josh back, while Lance’s raw speed and talent provide a distinct advantage,” remarked Dodemaide.

“This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match.”

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner

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