Peter Handscomb will receive another opportunity to prove his credentials for a Test recall when he captains Cricket Australia XI next week against South Africa in Brisbane.
The 31-year-old is in great form of late with the Sheffield Shield high 108.80 average, scoring 544 runs in total.
His average is more than double the competition's second-best in Tasmanian Tim Ward, with his runs tally well over three figures better as well. Handscomb's best knock has been a 281 not out in October against Western Australia.
He also impressed recently against the West Indies scoring 55 (86) and 75 (138) playing for the Prime Minister's XIII. He has not featured for Australia in a test match since 2018, with his recent form giving the selectors something to think about for the upcoming tour against India.
Handscomb is joined in the squad by Sam Whiteman, Henry Hunt, Tim Ward, Teague Wyllie, Campbell Kellaway, Matthew Kuhnemann, Jake Doran, Jack Clayton, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Chris Tremain, Jordan Buckingham and Liam Hatcher.
Youngster Teague Wyllie is one to watch after he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score a century in the Shield. Other exciting talents Tim Ward, Jack Clayton and Campbell Kellaway will also be closely watched.
“We've picked a squad which has a balance of youth and experience,” said national selection panel chair George Bailey.
“Sam Whiteman and Chris Tremain have been rewarded for consistent performances over a long period of time in the Marsh Sheffield Shield, while emerging talents Jack Clayton, Tim Ward and Jordan Buckingham will benefit immensely from the experience.”
“It's an exciting opportunity for Teague Wyllie and Campbell Kellaway to play alongside and learn from established domestic cricketers against an international team of South Africa's quality.”
The match begins Friday December 9 at 11am AEDT.
CA XI
Peter Handscomb (c, Vic), Sam Whiteman (WA), Henry Hunt (SA), Tim Ward (Tas), Teague Wyllie (WA), Campbell Kellaway (Vic), Matthew Kuhnemann (Qld), Jake Doran (Tas), Jack Clayton (Qld), Lawrence Neil-Smith (Tas), Chris Tremain (NSW), Jordan Buckingham (SA), Liam Hatcher (NSW)
