Australia Release 14-Man Squad For First Two Tests Against India

It looks like Australia will have a new opening batsman for the first Test.

Victorian opener Marcus Harris will feature in a 14-man squad for the first two Tests against India, starting in Adelaide on December 6.

Harris has posted the second-most runs in the Sheffield Shield this season, including a mammoth 250 against New South Wales.

Harris will be joined by teammates Peter Handscomb and Chris Tremain, who are also in the squad.

Handscomb has nudged out Marnus Labuschagne after 227 runs at an average of 37.83 in the Sheffield Shield, while Tremain's inclusion comes after 24 wickets at an average of 20.45.

Marnus Labuschagne has missed the squad after averaging 20.25 in his four innings in the United Arab Emirates and posting just one half-century in the Sheffield Shield, while Jon Holland has also been left out.

“The 14-person squad has been selected for the Adelaide and Perth Test matches against India. The squad features a talented group of batsmen and bowlers who have displayed good form in the Sheffield Shield competition to date," national selector Trevor Hohns said.

“We will select a final team of 12 prior to each Test, and the two remaining squad members will be released to get important match time in the Sheffield Shield.

"We believe all players chosen deserve their selection in the squad, and we’re confident given the opportunity all will apply themselves well against India.”

“With another round of Sheffield Shield matches to play, players have the chance to strengthen their cases for selection before we finalise the 12 in the lead up to the first Test.”

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle