AUS vs IND: Moises Henriques added to squad for first Test

Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques has been added to the Test squad for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against India. Henriques replaces Sean Abbott, who will miss the Test due to injury.

Abbott is currently rehabilitating from a calf strain that he picked up during Australia A’s day-night practice game against India at Sydney. He is expected to be back in time for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Henriques, on the other hand, was supposed to play the second tour game but a late test last week revealed a mild hamstring strain that ruled him out of the match. The Sydney Sixers captain also sat out of the club’s BBL clash against the Melbourne Renegades on Sunday.

Our best wishes with Sean Abbott who will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from a mild calf strain. Sean is expected to re-join the squad for the second Vodafone Test in Melbourne! ?

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 14, 2020

However, Henriques has cleared the latest fitness test on Monday and is set to travel to Adelaide with the rest of the squad. Earlier, opener Marcus Harris was drafted in to replace David Warner, who picked up an adductor groin injury in the ODI series. 22-year-old Will Pucovski, who was set for his international debut after a prolific debut season, is also out after suffering a concussion.

Injury XI

Over the past month or so, as many as 10-11 Australian players, including Warner and the likes, have suffered injuries. But in a ray of hope, Cameron Green is reportedly recovering well after he was struck on the head while bowling for Australia A. The 21-year-old copped a blow from the bat of tailender Jasprit Bumrah and was immediately subbed out.

In a much-needed boost for the home side, fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to join the squad ahead of the Adelaide Test. The pacer had opted out of the last two T20Is against India due to personal reasons.