India retain Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia announce squad for Sydney Test and more - Cricket News Today, 30th December 2018

#1 Australia add Marnus Labuschagne in Sydney-bound Test squad

Marnus Labuschagne played both Tests in Australia's series against Pakistan at UAE

Australia have added leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne to their squad for the final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 24-year old's inclusion is the only change from the squad which had been named for the third Test at MCG.

Labuschagne made his Test debut in the two-Test series against Pakistan at UAE. Although he could only score 81 runs from four innings, his useful leg-breaks fetched him seven wickets at 22.42.

With the SCG track expected to offer substantial turn, the hosts included Labuschagne in order to present an extra spin option to the team management. If he plays at Sydney, the South Africa-born cricketer should slot in the lower middle-order and help ease the workload of Australia's four-man bowling attack.

Australia Squad for Sydney Test: Tim Paine (c) (wk), Josh Hazlewood (vc), Mitchell Marsh (vc), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and Marnus Labuschagne