Australia name unchanged squad for Gabba Test against Pakistan

Melbourne [Australia], Dec. 8 (ANI): Australia have named the same squad---that won them the Adelaide Test against South Africa---for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan starting at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 15. Following five straight losses, which included three Tests against Sri Lanka and two against the Proteas, Australia bounced back in the final Test against the Faf du Plessis-led side to win by seven wickets and kick start a new era of Australian cricket under captain Steve Smith. The selectors had made sweeping changes after Australia's crushing defeat in Hobart, where South Africa secured the series, and only six of the XI from that Test retained their places for the day-night Test in Adelaide. "We were very pleased with how the team came together in Adelaide after some significant changes following the Tests in Perth and Hobart," interim national selector Trevor Hohns was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "This is a young group with a lot of promise and we believe all deserve their opportunity again in this upcoming Test." Meanwhile, left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh was not considered for selection as there was uncertainty over his broken finger. He sustained the injury in the first Test of the summer against the Proteas on his home turf of Perth. Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade. The Gabba Test will be followed by games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30) and the Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3-7, 2017). (ANI)