Fast bowlers Joel Paris and Scott Boland are all set to make their debut for Australia in the opening match of the one-day series against India on Tuesday.
Paris has been chosen to make his first international appearance on his home WACA Ground after being fast-tracked into the Australia squad following the retirement of Mitchell Johnson and injury to Mitchell Starc.
Boland, hailing from from Victoria, has also been handed a debut as Australia replenishes its fast bowling stocks but allrounder Shaun Marsh has been omitted from the Australian lineup for the first match of the five-match series.
Captain Steve Smith said Paris was selected because Australia wants a left-armer in Perth “who can use the breeze and move the ball.”
Boland was a member of the Australia test squad during the recent series against the West Indies but didn’t get a chance to play. Smith said his form for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League had been compelling.
“His death bowling has been very impressive,” Smith said. “He hits a yorker as well as anyone at the moment. He’s got a bit of pace to him so hopefully he can hurry up the Indian batters a bit.”
Marsh hasn’t been able to clinch his place in the Australia match XI, though his Big Bash form has also been outstanding. He has scored 218 runs in five matches for the Perth Scorchers at an average of 72.67 and a strike-rate of 128.24.
{{/usCountry}}Marsh hasn’t been able to clinch his place in the Australia match XI, though his Big Bash form has also been outstanding. He has scored 218 runs in five matches for the Perth Scorchers at an average of 72.67 and a strike-rate of 128.24.
{{/usCountry}}Australia has opted instead to let veteran George Bailey fill the batting vacancy left by the retirement of Michael Clarke.
“It’s very difficult but Shaun’s been exceptional,” Smith said. “He hasn’t whinged once, he’s taken it on the chin and he’s been great around the group. “
India may also name an uncapped paceman. India’s team hasn’t yet been announced but Barinder Stan is expected to be replace the injured Mohammed Shami.
Tuesday’s match is the first meeting between Australia and India since the World Cup semifinal in Sydney in March.
Australian Squad for the first ODI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith (captain), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, Joel Paris, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood.