Five uncapped players in Australia's Test squad

Exciting youngsters Will Pucovski and Cameron Green have both been named in Australia's 17-man squad for the upcoming Test series against India.

They join uncapped New South Wales all-rounder Sean Abbott in the expanded squad, which has been made necessary by the need for bio-secure hubs.

Five players who have yet to play Test cricket have been named, with Queensland duo Michael Neser and Mitchell Swepson also included.

Abbott has enjoyed a fine start to the Sheffield Shield season with both bat and ball, including his maiden first-class century against Tasmania this week. His 261 runs in three matches makes 2020-21 his most productive season with the bat to date, while he's also picked up 14 wickets at the impressive average of 17.93.

"Sean Abbott has also been outstanding at the start of the summer and comes in to his first Test squad as a very strong fast bowling option," said national selector, Trevor Hohns.

"Add that to his recent batting form over the last 12 months he presents a very complete package in the squad."

As expected, both Pucovski and Green earned spots in the squad, with Pucovski a strong chance to debut in Adelaide alongside David Warner at the top of the order.

Pucovski is the hottest player in Australian cricket right now, on the back of consecutive double centuries for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, while former captain Greg Chappell has described Green as the most promising young talent since Ricky Ponting.

"Two of those many standout players were of course Cameron Green and Will Pucovski," Hohn said.

"Their undeniable form demanded selection and we are very pleased to have these young men in the squad for what will be a tremendous Test Series against an extremely formidable opponent.  

"Cameron has already won selection in the white ball squad and continues that in joining the Test squad. He is a wonderful young talent who has great potential to become an all-rounder of substance over time. His batting alone has demanded his place in the squad.  

"Will's record breaking start to the summer has been exceptional. His ability to show such patience is something which stands him in good stead for Test cricket and he is in rare company with two double centuries to start the summer. We very much look forward to Will developing further on the international stage."

Australian squad: Sean Abbott (NSW) Joe Burns (QLD) Pat Cummins (NSW) (vc) Cameron Green (WA) Josh Hazlewood (NSW) Travis Head (SA) Marnus Labuschagne (QLD) Nathan Lyon (NSW) Michael Neser (QLD) Tim Paine (TAS) (c) James Pattinson (VIC) Will Pucovski (VIC) Steve Smith (NSW) Mitchell Starc (NSW) Mitchell Swepson (QLD) Matthew Wade (TAS) David Warner (NSW)

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