Mitchell Swepson roped into the Australian team for the third Test in Sydney

In an announcement made by the Australian selectors on the 26th of December, it was declared that Mitchell Swepson will be a part of the squad for the third Test of the series against New Zealand. The Test match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting from the 3rd of January 2020.

The selectors said that the addition of another bowler would increase the diversity in the attack, giving another spin bowling option and adding to the already strong four-pronged bowling attack of the Aussies.

National selector, Trevor Hohns told as quoted by Sportstar, “Having Mitch in Sydney gives us the option to play two specialist spinners if the conditions demand. We will make those assessments when we get to Sydney.”

Prior to this, Swepson has been a part of the playing XI of the Australian National Team on one occasion. He had played one T20I against England in 2018 and had recorded figures of two wickets for 37 runs in the 4 overs he bowled. Apart from this, he was also a part of the Australian team that had toured India and Bangladesh way back in 2017, but could not get a break into the playing XI.

His figures of 7/92 playing for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria last month, along with a string of good performance with the ball in the same tournament, earned him a national call-up once again. And, this time he will be looking to make it into the playing XI.

Peter Siddle released to play the BBL

It was also added that having been left out of the side, Peter Siddle will be leaving for playing in the Big Bash League. The selector said, “Having Sids (Siddle) as the 13th man and his experience at the MCG has been invaluable. His insights have greatly assisted the fast bowlers for this Test and it was great having him around the group.”

With Swepson joining the team during the ongoing Test, and Australian bowlers doing well, it will be interesting to see if he is included into the final XI of the third Test or not. And, if he is picked, he will surely look to replicate his Sheffield Shield performances, cementing his spot in the team.

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