Marcus Stoinis in line to make Test debut after surprise call-up to Australia squad

The 29-year-old has been a regular in Australia's white-ball squads in recent months and has made 41 appearances across both one-day formats for his country so far

The selection of Western Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis was the biggest talking point as Australia announced their squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka, beginning January 31.

The 29-year-old has been a regular in Australia's white-ball squads in recent months and has made 41 appearances across both one-day formats for his country so far.

Queensland opener Matt Renshaw did not feature in the opening Test despite being selected in the squad, and has been dropped for the second Test.

AUSSIE TEST SQUAD

Tim Paine (c/wk), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Kurtis Patterson, Will Pucovski, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle

Stoinis has enjoyed a strong year for his state in the Sheffield Shield so far, scoring 298 runs at 42.79, including three half-centuries, and taking 10 wickets at 25.20.

These figures compare very favourably against the rather more modest ones he has managed over the course of his career. In 53 first-class matches, he averages 33.61 with the bat and 42.36 with the ball.

National selector Trevor Hohns said: "We made the decision to add Marcus to give us the flexibility to play an allrounder in the event the conditions require an extra bowling option in the line- up.

"Marcus has been a consistent performer this season, he has displayed strong all-round form in first-class cricket and continued that form into the Australian ODI series against India."

His selection in the squad has long been supported by former Australian legspinner Shane Warne

Ps I’m a huge fan of Marcus Stoinis & believe he will be playing all 3 forms for Australia by the end of 2018 & I would be taking Maxwell to SA on the test tour - agree ? https://t.co/LHYC2Phs3b

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 12, 2018

I would be very disappointed if Marcus Stoinis doesn’t play the next test in Perth. Aust need the extra bowler and all round skills of Stoinis plus the energy & swagger he brings to the table - this would rub of on the team !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 11, 2018