Australia vs Pakistan: Nathan Lyon Returns, Uncapped Lance Morris Included As Hosts Announce Squad For 1st Test

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Seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon returned and uncapped Lance Morris earned his first call-up as Australia named their 14-member squad for the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to be held in Perth from December 14 to 18.

Lyon, who suffered an injury mid-way through the Ashes series earlier, has replaced spinner Todd Murphy in the squad with Morris, who can clock 150kmph, joins the pace quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

The 25-year-old Morris, who has enjoyed a prolific start to his first class career with 74 wickets at an average of 25.44, could make his Test debut at Perth Stadium in his home state of Western Australia.

While that makes up the bowling attack, Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh are the two all-rounders in the squad that sees Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne make up the batting uint. Alex Carey is the lone wicketkeeper.

The Australian chief selector George Bailey said the squad that won the World Test Championship mace earlier in the year deserved to start the first home Test in the new WTC cycle.

"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 of the new World Test Championship cycle," Bailey said.

Bailey also added that there will be opportunities for other players to make a case for selection in the second and third Test of the series, scheduled to start on December 26 and January 3 respectively.

"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," Bailey added.

Australia squad for 1st Test vs Pakistan

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