Mitchell Starc, who suffered a finger tendon injury during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, has been ruled out of the first Test against India but was still named in the squad for the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting February 9. The left-arm quick will join the Australia squad ahead of the second Test in New Delhi. Another doubtful starter is all-rounder Cameron Green, who too had suffered a finger injury during the South Africa series. Green, however, is expected to be available from the series opener in Nagpur.
There were a couple of big surprises in Australia's 18-man squad for the India tour. Uncapped spinner Todd Murphy was included in Australia's Test squad as a potential spin partner to Nathan Lyon, while veteran batter Peter Handscomb was recalled.
Australia will take four spinners for the four-Test series in Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad in February-March with Mitchell Swepson also getting the nod along with Ashton Agar.
Uncapped quick Lance Morris was retained in the squad as a back-up.
Opener Marcus Harris, who was in the squad for their last Test against South Africa in Sydney last week, missed out.
"After a successful home summer the squad is excited by the challenge a Test tour to the subcontinent provides," said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
"We have selected a squad that provides the depth and flexibility required to adapt depending on the conditions we may encounter."
{{/usCountry}}"We have selected a squad that provides the depth and flexibility required to adapt depending on the conditions we may encounter."
{{/usCountry}}Bailey said the combination of left and right-hand batters, four specialist spinners and six fast bowlers, including Green, offered options in varying settings.
Murphy, 22, was favoured over white-ball specialist spinner Adam Zampa after strong performances for Victoria and Australia A over the past 12 months, with selectors eyeing him as a long-term replacement for veteran Lyon.
"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," said Bailey.
"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."
Handscomb, who has played 16 Tests, has been in fine touch in the domestic Sheffield Shield and was recalled for the first time since 2019, joining Matthew Renshaw as reserve batters.
"Peter Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad. His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at Test level," said Bailey.
"His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close to the wicket catcher."
Australia leave for India in early February.
Australia Test squad for India tour: Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.