Uncapped Burns replaces Marsh for MCG

Australia have added uncapped Queensland batsman Joe Burns to the squad for the third Test against India in Melbourne, replacing injured all-rounder Mitchell Marsh with the young batsman.
Burns is set to make his debut at the MCG on Boxing Day, with the selectors opting not to risk Marsh who pulled up with a hamstring injury in the second Test in Brisbane. Burns averages 42.54 over 45 first class matches.
While agreeing that Ed Cowan and Adam Voges were also in good form, coach Darren Lehmann wanted someone younger, saying: "You're always trying to look ahead when you can, but you're still living in the moment.
"We think he's the best man. He can fit anywhere from one to six.
"He gives us a little bit more flexibility compared to the other two … and it's a chance to play a guy who is young."
Boof added of coaching Burns at Queensland before he became the national coach: "When I saw him play, I thought he could really play at the next level.
"It's taken him a while, he's had some ups and downs like all players do. Now he's put his name up at the right time."
He added: "We think he's got something about him … hopefully he offers runs, first and foremost. He's a good young kid. A cricket nuffie, which we love.
"He's a very aggressive player, which is always good to see. That's the way we like to play."
Otherwise, Ryan Harris looks set to return after missing out with a niggle in Brisbane, while David Warner is a bit bruised on the thumb that got struck but nothing that will keep him sidelined.
Australia's squad for the third Test: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle.
Latest
-
News
Daryl Mitchell breaks record with another century against England
Mitchell broke Martin Donnelly’s New Zealand tally of 492 runs in a series in England, set back in 1949.
-
News
Superb James Vince ton leads Hampshire to shock win over Somerset
Sussex’s five-match losing streak came to an end with a 17-run win over Surrey.
-
News
Adil Rashid to miss England’s India white-ball series to make Mecca pilgrimage
Rashid has found it difficult to make the pilgrimage due to timings and commitments.
-
News
Jack Leach pleased with good luck but admits freak dismissal no collector’s item
New Zealand closed the opening day of the final Test against England on 225 for five after Henry Nicholls was dismissed in bizarre fashion.
-
News
Stuart Broad stars on day one for England but error of judgement proves costly
Broad kept a week of celebrations going strong by striking before a run had been added and followed with the key scalp of Kane Williamson.
-
News
Matthew Mott expects England whitewash to ‘light fire’ under captain Eoin Morgan
Mott made an ideal start in his new role with a 3-0 one-day clean sweep of the Netherlands.
-
England
Stuart Broad double and freak dismissal helps put England on top at Headingley
New Zealand were 123 for five at tea on day one.
-
England
Lord Patel targeted by abusive letters in wake of Yorkshire racism scandal
Test cricket returned to Headingley on Thursday.
-
England
Stuart Broad leads England’s charge on first morning at Headingley
England responded brilliantly after losing the toss to leave the tourists uncomfortably set on 65 for three.
-
England
On this day in 2013: England suffer Champions Trophy final defeat to India
England suffered a huge batting collapse in the rain-affected one-day game.