Australia's Test Squad For Pakistan: Cricket Australia (CA) announced their 18-man Test squad on Tuesday, headed by Pat Cummins, for the three-match series against Pakistan, which begins on March 4 in Rawalpindi.
This will be the first series on Pakistani soil between the two cricketing powerhouses in 24 years, with the crucial ICC World Test
The selectors have included senior speed bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has returned to the side after missing the last four Ashes Tests at home due to an injury, as well as left-arm spinner Ashton Agar as a slow-bowling option for Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson.
With fast bowlers, Scott Boland and Michael Neser shining alongside left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins during the Ashes, Hazlewood's inclusion adds more depth to Australia's already strong pace bowling line-up.
The tour's wicketkeepers will be Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, while left-handers Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja will compete to partner David Warner at the top of the batting lineup.
Jhye Richardson, the pace bowler who has been chosen out of the tour, is the only player who has played in the Ashes who will not be going to the tour.
While announcing the side for the historic tour, former Australia batsman and chairman of the National Selection Panel (NSP) George Bailey declared it was an all-weather squad.
"Given how long it has been since Australia last visited Pakistan, this group is prepared for any circumstance, including the weather. With future Asian tours and a one-day World Cup in India on the line, this is an excellent first task for the team following the successful Ashes Series at home "Bailey said.
"Given the length of time since an Australian team last went Pakistan," he continued, "it's also a really significant tour."
With 52 points, Australia is now in second place in the ICC World Test Championship rankings, while Pakistan is in third place with 36 points.
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (C), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.