Australia select full-strength squad for Test tour of Pakistan

Australia named a full-strength squad for next month's three-Test tour of Pakistan.

The Aussies will tour Pakistan for the first time in 24 years and the series will be the Test side's first overseas visit since the 2019 Ashes.

In the first squad announcement since the resignation of Justin Langer as coach, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returned from injury while Scott Boland, one of the stand-out performers during Australia's 4-0 Ashes series win over England earlier in the season, retained his place.

There were concerns that a number of senior players would not be a part of the Pat Cummins-captained squad due to security issues after New Zealand and England withdrew from their tours of the south Asian nation late last year. However, those fears have been allayed.

March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi

March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi

March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore

March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi

March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi

"This squad covers for all scenarios including the conditions given it has been such a long time since Australia was last in Pakistan," said selector George Bailey.

"With several sub-continent tours and a one-day World Cup in India on the near horizon, this is a great first-up challenge for the group after the successful home Ashes series.

"It's also a very historic tour given the length of time since an Australian side last toured Pakistan."

The first Test starts in Rawalpindi on March 4, with the second scheduled for Karachi on March 12. Lahore will host the final Test from March 21.

The two teams will also play three ODIs and one Twenty20 match.

Meanwhile, selection panel chief Bailey denied Langer's claims that a lack of backing from