Lance Morris recalled for first Test against Pakistan in Perth

Australia have recalled pacer Lance Morris for the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, starting December 14. He could be in line to make his much-awaited Test debut. He is the only uncapped player from Australia's 14-member squad. There are no surprises in the Pat Cummins-led side, which marks the return of Nathan Lyon, who has recovered from his calf injury, with Todd Murphy missing out.

Cameron Green is also back in the squad after he was replaced by Mitchell Marsh in the latter part of the Ashes series. Alex Carey, who was dropped after just one game in the World Cup retains his place in the Test side.

Morris returns after recovering from a stress injury on the back. He has played three games in the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia this season, accounting for 11 wickets at 25.54. Morris was part of the Test squad that toured India and also the home series against South Africa before that, but could not find a spot in the XI.

This could be a swansong for opening batter David Warner, who had previously indicated that the three Tests against Pakistan could be his last in the format. He finds a place in the team despite averaging just 22.81 in 16 innings this year.

"This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period. We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle," chair of selectors George Bailey said.

"Thirteen members of the squad were part of the victorious World Test Championship and successful Ashes tours over the winter and Lance Morris has been recalled after recovering from his back injury over the same period.

"As ever, there will be opportunities in the short to medium term to break into this squad and we look forward to seeing the continued strong performances from players who have been performing domestically, many of whom will get a tremendous opportunity in the PM's XI fixture against Pakistan later this week."

Australia enter the series against Pakistan after an eventful 2023 that saw them win the World Test Championship (WTC) final and also retain the Ashes in England. To add a cherry on top, they also won the World Cup, pipping favourites India in the final a couple of weeks ago.

Pakistan lead the WTC 2023-25 cycle table, having won both their Tests so far, while Australia are fourth, having won two, lost two and draw one.

Australia squad for first Test: Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner