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Australia replace James Pattinson for Bangladesh tour; Jackson Bird recalled

Australia have withdrawn Pattinson as a precautionary measure keeping in mind the long summer season that includes the Ashes.

Jackson Bird © Getty Images
Jackson Bird © Getty Images

Australia might have heaved a sigh of relief with the settlement of pay disputes, yet there is no end to their troubles. On Saturday morning they announced their Test squad for Bangladesh tour. Mitchell Swepson was included in place of Mitchell Starc who was ruled out two-months ago due to foot injury. Another blow for Australia comes in place of James Pattinson who has been struck with inflammation in his back. However, Australia have withdrawn Pattinson as a precautionary measure keeping in mind the long summer season that includes the Ashes. Meanwhile, Jackson Bird has been included in his place. Full Cricket Scorecard: Bangladesh vs Australia, 1st Test at Mirpur

An Australian spokesperson mentioned that Pattinson’s inflammation is in the same place where he suffered a stress fracture. The 27-year-old has been in best of his form in First-Class cricket in the second-half of last summer. For Nottinghamshire this winter, Pattinson took 32 wickets from 5 First-Class matches that included two five-wicket hauls. He also scored two fifties with his best being 89 not out. As for Shield 2016-17, he took 24 wickets and averaged 35 with the bat for Bushrangers, who won the title. Australia’s bowling attack presently comprises of Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson. In absence of Pattinson, Swepson could very well get an opportunity to make his Test debut. Australia had planned to announce their Test squad following the Australia A tour to South Africa which was cancelled due to the CA-ACA pay dispute. Bird, Swepson, Chadd Sayers and Chris Tremain were to lead the bowling attack for Australia A, as reported on cricket.com.au.

However, Swepson got a nod ahead of Bird. But with the injury to Pattinson, Bird too, found his spot in Test squad.

Australian Squad: Steven Smith (c), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Jackson Bird, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson

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