Australia in India | Peter Handscomb in reckoning for Nagpur Test
The Hindu
If Cameron Green does not recover from a fractured fingure in time for the series opener from February 9, Hadscomb could make a return to the Australian Test side
Australia are mulling the option of bringing back Peter Handscomb to bat in the middle-order for his ability to play spin, if Cameron Green does not recover in time for their series opener against India from February 9, head coach and selector Andrew McDonald indicated.
Recovering from a fractured finger, seam-bowling all-rounder Green is also named in the Test squad alongside Handscomb.
"He's really important," McDonald was quoted saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.
"It's been well documented over a period of time that his play against spin is excellent, and we feel as though he's returned probably to what he was producing two or three years ago."
Both Handscomb and Green are undergoing batting practices on tailor-made "scarified" pitches in the sultry conditions of Bon Andrews Oval in North Sydney for them to experience match simulation ahead of the four-Test series that will determine their World Test Championship Final qualification.
Handscomb was also a member of their last tour to India in 2017. He also provides the utility value by doubling up as a wicketkeeper.
"Lots of runs in Shield cricket on those slower surfaces as well. He's able to keep as well, so it gives us every option for Josh (Inglis) not to be there and if anything were to happen to Alex Carey, there's flexibility there, but also in close fielder as well, bat pad, highly valued when you tour the subcontinent.