22 June,2010 11:31 AM IST | | MiD DAY Correspondent
Australian selectors have named uncapped New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja and swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus in the squad to play two cricket tests against Pakistan in England next month.
Left-hander Khawaja replaces Phil Hughes, who is suffering from a shoulder injury.
"Usman Khawaja has been selected on the back of some very strong Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield performances. He is seen by the National Selection Panel as being capable of batting anywhere in the order in Test cricket, but importantly for this particular series a top-order batsman who could bat in the top four should the opportunity arise," said National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch.
Left-handed Khawaja, 23, admitted feeling "shocked" after being brought in for the July Tests in England, which were moved from Pakistan over security problems including last year's extremist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.
"I was a bit shocked, I had a feeling I was close but that could mean absolutely nothing," he said. "The feeling didn't really sink in straight away but I've told my family and they're really excited."
Islamabad-born Khawaja now has the chance to become the first Muslim player to wear Australia's famed Baggy Green cap as a full Test player, and just months before the much-anticipated Ashes series against England.
Hilfenhaus returns to the Australian team after overcoming a knee injury. He was the leading wicket taker for Australia in the 2009 Ashes series but missed out on playing against Pakistan last summer after suffering knee tendonitis.
"Ben Hilfenhaus has successfully returned from injury during the current Australia A series in Queensland. Ben was a critical member of our 2009 Ashes bowling group and it is very pleasing to see him back in the Test squad," said Hilditch.
Wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin, who has been suffering from tennis elbow, has also been named in the squad.
"With the Test squad not departing for the UK until late next week it has been decided Brad Haddin will continue his rehabilitation from an elbow tendon injury in Sydney and his availability for these Test matches will be determined over the next week," said Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.
Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has been training strongly over the past four days with no adverse effect to his elbow. He has been cleared by medical staff to step up his training in preparation for both the Twenty20 and Test series against Pakistan.
The two Tests against Pakistan will take place at Lords (13-17 July) and Headingley (21-25 July).
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.
