AUS vs PAK: Mitchell Starc to miss first Test against Pakistan

• Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the AUS vs. PAK first Test.
• Lance Morris will replace Starc.
• The first Test will be played between Dec 14 and 18.

Test selectors in Australia are thinking about using Lance Morris, a fast bowler from Western Australia, against Pakistan in the opening Test as Mitchell Starc recovers from a minor injury.

An Australian news magazine reports that on December 3, a 14-player roster is anticipated to be revealed. Cameron Green is expected to lose ground to Mitchell Marsh for the position of all-rounder.

The sole change to Australia’s playing lineup from the July Test at the Oval will be Nathan Lyon’s return in lieu of Todd Murphy, his understudy.

Morris, known by his fast pace as “Wild Thing,” may be included in the extended squad or given additional training duty prior to the first Test match against Pakistan, which takes place in Perth on December 14.

Starc has a small problem, but it shouldn’t stop him from playing in the Test this summer. But with the short turnaround between the Boxing Day Test and the Sydney Test, questions are raised about his suitability for the third Test.

Morris, 25, has stress fractures in his back and has been following a customized treatment regimen since the previous season. In addition to keeping an eye on the upcoming series against India, the selectors want him ready for any opportunity that may present itself this season against Pakistan or the West Indies.

Morris is seen as a direct substitute for Starc’s aggressive bowling style because of his ability to bowl at 150 km/h.

If fully fit, he would have participated in the Ashes tour. He has been gradually brought back into the Western Australia Sheffield Shield games, taking 11 wickets in three games.

Despite Bancroft’s lackluster Test performances, Marsh holds his spot following an outstanding Ashes season. But compared to his batting, questions remain over his bowling impact.

Even though he had a mediocre Ashes campaign, Green is still an important component of Australia’s long-term goals. Selectors decided to include him in the lineup after his previous excellent innings in the Shield game demonstrated his talent.

While Josh Inglis solidifies his place as Australia’s white-ball wicketkeeper, Alex Carey remains the Test gloveman and showcased his red-ball form with a solid innings for South Australia in a recent Shield match.

Probable Australian squad for the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, starting December 14: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

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