Khawaja, Harris face axe as Australia recall Burns, Bancroft for Pakistan Tests

MELBOURNE: Australia opener Marcus Harris has been dropped from the Test squad and replaced by Queensland batsman Joe Burns for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan.

Cameron Bancroft has also been recalled in the 14-man squad released on Thursday for the series, which begins on November 21 in Brisbane, after being dropped midway through the Ashes in England.

Uncapped bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been included along with pacemen Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.

Cricket Australia announced earlier on Thursday that promising batsman Will Pucovski had withdrawn from selection for “mental wellbeing” reasons.

Australia Test squad

Tim Paine (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner