Australia first Test squad: David Warner’s farewell tour hopes alive

David Warner remains on course for a SCG Test farewell after being backed by selectors for the first match of the summer against Pakistan, writes Daniel Cherny.

Australian selection chair George Bailey says David Warner has “earnt” his Test spot after the veteran’s farewell tour was all but assured on Sunday.

Warner features in a 14-man squad for the Aussies’ opening Test of the summer against Pakistan in Perth starting next week, effectively guaranteeing he will play his planned three final Tests before retiring from the format.

There were no surprises in the squad, which includes emerging WA paceman Lance Morris, who is line to make his Test debut this summer.

Australia’s strong Test year, capped by a World Test Championship crown and Ashes retention reduced the urgency for change despite Warner averaging less than 30 with the bat in Test cricket in well over three years.

“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period. We believe they have earnt the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the New World Test Championship cycle,” Bailey said.

“Thirteen members of the squad were part of the victorious World Test Championship and successful Ashes tours over the winter and Lance Morris has been recalled after recovering from his back injury over the same period.”

Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris will continue to push their cases to replace Warner in a Prime Minister’s XI match against the tourists this week in Canberra.

“As ever, there will be opportunities in the short to medium term to break into this squad and we look forward to seeing the continued strong performances from players who have been performing domestically, many of whom will get a tremendous opportunity in the PM’s XI fixture against Pakistan later this week.”

AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR FIRST TEST V PAKISTAN

Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Lance Morris.

Originally published as Australia first Test squad: David Warner’s farewell tour hopes alive