India vs Australia | Marcus Harris rewarded with maiden call-up for Test series

Australia got off to a positive start after they managed to slip away with a four-run win over India in the opening T20I match on Wednesday. The home team will look to build on that performance as they continue to undergo transition with some new names being included in the limited-overs squad and the Test squad in recent weeks.

The latest homegrown talent to receive his maiden call-up to the national setup is the highest scorer of this season’s Sheffield Shield tournament - Marcus Harris. Harris has an aggregate of 437 runs in six innings and a personal best of 250 not out. Aussie selector Trevor Hohns said that the youngster has shown that he is mentally prepared for top-flight cricket.

"Marcus Harris has forced his way into the squad after an impressive start to the Sheffield Shield campaign for Victoria, and in recent times has performed in high pressure matches, including Sheffield Shield finals. Not only has he made plenty of runs, he's displayed the mental application we believe is required to compete at Test cricket," Hohns was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

While Matt Renshaw was overlooked once again, Chris Tremain has also been recalled to the squad after consistent performances this Shield season. The fast bowler is the second-leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets so far, which included five fifers as well.

"Chris Tremain has also been performing consistently with the ball for Victoria. His form in the Sheffield Shield has seen him become the second highest wicket taker in the competition this season. He has also been a consistent wicket taker over the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves his place in the squad," Hohns added.

Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb have also been recalled into the 14-member squad for the series against India which will begin on December 6 in Adelaide. Cricket Australia have announced that a 12-man shortlist will be announced ahead of each match, as the two players who won’t be picked up can feature in the Sheffield Shield games. 

"We will select a final team of 12 prior to each Test, and the two remaining squad members will be released to get important match time in the Sheffield Shield. We believe all players chosen deserve their selection in the squad, and we're confident given the opportunity all will apply themselves well against India.

"With another round of Sheffield Shield matches to play, players have the chance to strengthen their cases for selection before we finalise the 12 in the lead up to the first Test," he added.

Australia squad for first-two Tests vs India: Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood (VC), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh (VC), Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (C), Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain