New Delhi: In the middle of pay dispute with the players, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed Usman Khawaja as captain for Australia A four-day team for the upcoming tour of South Africa in July.
Khawaja will lead Australia A in two four-day matches against South Africa A. He is not a part of the team that will play a 50-over tri-series later on, which involves India A. Travis Head will lead the side.
Australia have selected an experienced side even though there are high chances of the players boycotting the tournament due to the ongoing pay dispute with the cricket board. The current contract expires on June 30 and if the board does not come to a negotiation with the players then they have threatened to stop representing their country, including boycotting Ashes later this year.
However, Australia’s chief selector Travis Hohns says that they have selected the best possible side for the A tour.
"We have opted for a well-balanced squad featuring some experience blended with younger players, with an emphasis on building our depth for the future," he said. "This is a great chance for these players to experience foreign conditions against quality international sides and really test their skills.
The four-day side includes experienced players like Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar and Jackson Bird. While the limited overs side boasts of Travios Head, Moises Henriques and Marcus Stoinis.
Khawaja, who was axed from the Australian Test side that toured India for a four-Test series will have an opportunity to vouch for the middle order slot if he performs well.
Australia A four-day squad: Usman Khawaja (c), Glenn Maxwell (vc), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Jackson Bird, Alex Carey, Hilton Cartwright, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Swepson, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth
Australia A one-day squad: Travis Head (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Heazlett, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth