Australia have added leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson to their squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand in Sydney.
The selectors mentioned that adding a wrist-spinner would give the hosts an option of playing two spinners and two seamers if necessary .
“Having Mitch in Sydney gives us the option to play two specialist spinners if the conditions demand,” selection chairman Trevor Hohns said of Swepson. “We will make those assessments when we get to Sydney.”
Hohns also confirmed that Peter Siddle has been allowed to join the Adelaide Strikers with Swepson taking his place in the squad. James Pattinson was picked as the third seamer in ongoing Test at Melbourne.
“Having Sids 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.
“James has been with the squad through the summer, has performed well in Sheffield Shield matches and is thoroughly deserving of his recall to the team.”
The 26-year-old who made his international debut in a T20I against England last year, has had a good run in the domestic circuit. He notably picked up a hat-trick against Victoria at the MCG en route to a match-winning seven-wicket haul.
Swepson’s inclusion means he could well be part of the squad that will be touring Bangladesh in June 2020 for two Test matches.
