Matthew Kuhnemann, a left-arm spinner, has been named in Australia's cricket squad for the upcoming second Test match. He replaces leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, who will be flying back to Brisbane for the birth of his first child.
The inclusion of Kuhnemann in the team could provide another left-arm spin option for Pat Cummins, along with Ashton Agar, depending on the pitch conditions. The second Test match will take place from February 17 to 21 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in India.
Swepson was not selected for the first Test, which was won by India by an innings and 132 runs. Kuhnemann, who has yet to play a Test match, has previously played in four One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka and picked up six wickets. He has also had a successful run in the current round of Marsh Sheffield Shield, where he claimed 2-55 off 21 overs and 1-67 off 23 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia is hopeful for the return of all-rounder Cameron Green, whose finger injury has been recovering well. This could allow the team to pick a third spinner, alongside Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, if the conditions are suitable. Additionally, the visitors are also expecting the return of Mitchell Starc from injury for the second Test.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner