Feb 8, 2022: Australia announced a full-strength squad for their first tour of Pakistan in 24 years on Tuesday, with spinners Mitchell Swepson and Ashton Ager ready as back ups for their formidable pace attack.

The Pat Cummins team – which recently lost its coach Justin Langer under difficult circumstances – will play a three-Test series in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore from March 4. Bowler Josh Hazel will return to action after missing most of Australia’s recent 4-0 defeat of England.

Scott Boland, who delighted fans with his impressive debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the series – including a spell in which he took six wickets for seven runs – has been retained. But the spin department will have more backup for the strong Nathan Lyon, along with leg spinner Swepson and left-hander Agar.

Batters Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are also capable of spin bowling. This is Australia’s first visit to Pakistan in almost a quarter of a century. Cricket-crazy Pakistan has struggled to attract foreign teams after domestic and international competitions.

Pakistan was forced to play their home international matches abroad, mostly in the United Arab Emirates — until 2015.

The Australia squad includes; 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, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Meanwhile, Andrew McDonald has been appointed interim coach.

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