All-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has had his first training session with the Australian teammates since being called into the extended squad for the fourth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting Thursday.
Labuschagne bowled a spell of leg-spins and hit-out in the nets at the Aussie team’s optional session at the SCG on New Year’s Day, as he is set to play his first Test on home soil.
The 24-year-old, who made his debut against Pakistan in the UAE last year, has been included into the squad at the expense of Mitchell Marsh as a top-six batsman and extra bowling option.
Axed batsman Peter Handscomb also marked his attendance, after admitting last week about his chances of making a comeback into the side for the all-important Sydney Test.
The pair was joined by the majority of Australian top order batsmen, with the quicks – including Mitchell Marsh – taking the morning off alongside Shaun Marsh and Travis Head.
India defeated Australia by 137 runs in the third Test at MCG to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Squad: Tim Paine (c, WK), Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne
