The unknowns of touring Pakistan and the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has led selectors to name an 18-man squad for Australia's first Test tour of the subcontinent nation in 24 years.
Pat Cummins will lead a team aiming to put the messy exit of former coach Justin Langer behind them when the three-Test series starts in Rawalpindi on March 4.
Given Australia haven't played a Test in Pakistan since 1998, selectors have covered themselves for multiple scenarios with the squad featuring three spinners, allrounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh and a pace lineup bolstered by the return of Josh Hazlewood.
"If we were to take a smaller squad and suffer some injuries, it's not particularly easy to get people from point A to point B at the moment," chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
"For a little while the larger squads will probably remain."
Opener Marcus Harris has been named but Bailey said the Victorian will be travelling as a third opening option behind incumbents David Warner and Pakistan-born Usman Khawaja.
Bailey said there was also the scope for Queensland legspinner Mitchell Swepson to make his Test debut depending on conditions alongside No.1 spin option Nathan Lyon while WA allrounder Ashton Agar could feature as well.
"All three are capable of playing Test cricket absolutely. We don't know what conditions (will be like)," Bailey said.
"A lot of the first-class data that we've sort of been looking at, and chatting to a few people that have played over there, there's one pitch in particular that we think will suit the fast bowlers.
"I think Karachi will take a little bit of spin and we're not quite so sure on Lahore, that generally has been a bit of a better batting wicket.
"I'm not entirely sure what to expect."
There remains a possibility of changes to the squad with the Australian Cricketers' Association bracing for players to pull out of the tour due to safety concerns.
"Clearly there's some anxiety about touring and that's perfectly natural given an Australian cricket team hasn't toured Pakistan for almost 25 years," ACA boss Todd Greenberg told SEN on Monday.
"We may have one or two players that won't be comfortable despite all of the advice and guidance that we provide, and that's OK."
Bailey however said he hadn't heard about any such concerns.
"The briefings have been particularly thorough and obviously Pakistan are incredibly keen to get international cricket back to their country," he said.
"I certainly know our playing group and staff are excited to get over and play there as well."
Australia's Test squad for Pakistan tour: Pat Cummins (capt) (NSW), Ashton Agar (WA), Scott Boland (VIC), Alex Carey (SA), Cameron Green (WA), Marcus Harris (VIC), Josh Hazlewood (NSW), Travis Head (SA), Josh Inglis (WA), Usman Khawaja (QLD), Marnus Labuschagne (QLD), Nathan Lyon (NSW), Mitchell Marsh (WA), Michael Neser (QLD), Steve Smith (NSW), Mitchell Starc (NSW), Mitchell Swepson (QLD), David Warner (NSW).
