Australia opener Joe Burns has finally been axed from the Test squad after struggling mightily in the first two Tests against India.
Burns was almost a certainty to be dropped after the Boxing Day Test, which wrapped up yesterday, as he had averaged just 10.41 across 13 first-class innings this summer.
The Queenslander offered a brief glimmer of hope for the selectors with an unbeaten half-century in the second innings of the opening Test, but he did not cross double-figures in the second Test.
In positive news for Australia, both David Warner and Will Pucovski have been included in the 18-man squad for the final two Tests, while Sean Abbott will also join the squad.
"David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match. Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection," Australian selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
"Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom free for some time. He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment.
"Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat. Unfortunately, Joe's returns haven't been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of."
AUSTRALIA'S TEST SQUAD: Tim Paine (C), Pat Cummins (VC), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
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