Perth: Uncapped paceman Joe Mennie was the surprise selection in a 12-man Australia squad named yesterday for next week’s opening Test against South Africa in Perth, preferred to Jackson Bird.
The South Australian quick topped the domestic Sheffield Shield bowling list last season with 51 wickets and recently toured South Africa with the Australian one-day side.
“Joe bowls a great length at a lively pace and his form in first-class cricket has been terrific in the last 12 months,” chief selector Rod Marsh said.
“He also impressed us during the recent Australia A series in Queensland.”
Australia’s fast bowling depth is currently tested, with Pat Cummins and James Pattinson on the sidelines and spearhead Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle both underdone from injuries heading into the clash from Thursday at the WACA Ground.
Australia - David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, John Hazlewood, Joe Mennie, Nathan Lyon.
