Australia revealed a reduced team on Monday, leaving out backup fast bowler Lance Morris, and they are expected to field an identical starting lineup against Pakistan in Melbourne for the second Test.
On Sunday in Perth, the home team destroyed the visitors by 360 runs in four days, with Nathan Lyon, an off-spinner, claiming his 500th Australia squad.
In what is anticipated to be his final series, opener David Warner made sure he kept his spot for the Boxing Day Test by hitting a valiant 164.
The 37-year-old, who has been under fire following a poor run and comments made by former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson that he did not deserve a hero’s farewell, has stated that the third Test in Sydney will be his last.
With pace leaders Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all injury-free and Scott Boland the top pick in case a replacement is needed, Morris was freed to play in the Big Bash League.
“Lance has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise,” stated chief selector George Bailey.
“Otherwise, the squad remains unchanged following the strong performance in Perth.”
Australia Squad
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green