Australia vs South Africa: Aussies make six changes, include three batting debutants for day-night Test

New Delhi: Cricket Australia have made as many as six changes for the upcoming pink-ball Test against South Africa.

In a statement released on Sunday, Cricket Australia named 12-man squad the day-night third Test against South Africa which begins in Adelaide on Thursday:

Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

The squad includes six changes from the side that lost to South Africa in Hobart with Victoria’s Peter Handscomb, New South Wales’ Nic Maddinson and Queensland opener Matt Renshaw all set to make their debut in the top six.

Commenting on the changes Interim National Selector Trevor Hohns said:

“Matt has established himself in a short period of time as one of the best young opening bats in the country. His form is currently very good and we see him as a very exciting prospect for the future.

“Peter’s form over the last couple seasons, and with Australia A, has been very consistent. He has a good all-round game and we think he is the type of player who could succeed at the next level.

“Nic is an exciting and talented young player and we feel now is the ideal time for him to be involved with the Australian team. He has the ability to break the game open and we think he will flourish in this environment.”

Tasmania’s Jackson Bird and South Australia’s Chadd Sayers come into the squad as the additional fast-bowlers.

Faf du Plessis and his men have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Visitors won the first Test by 177 runs and the second Test at Hobart by an innings and 80 runs.

Third and final Test will be played at Adelaide Oval from November 24.