Australia unveils a new look Test squad
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Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe and boom allrounder Mitchell Marsh have been included in the Australian Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
The uncapped duo were named on Monday in a squad which also includes allrounder Glenn Maxwell.
Incumbent Alex Doolan and Phillip Hughes will battle it out for the crucial No.3 spot in the batting order.
In other news, George Bailey has stepped down as Australian T20 captain and been replaced by Aaron Finch.
Hughes will travel to the UAE earlier than his teammates to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant Muthiah Muralidaran.
“Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad,” said head selector Rod Marsh.
“His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
Selectors named just three fast-bowlers – Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle – in the Test squad.
Captain Michael Clarke and allrounder Shane Watson have both been named for the Test and ODI squads and will be aiming to prove their fitness, having been ruled out of the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe.
Australia will play two Tests, three one-dayers and a sole T20 match against Pakistan in the UAE in October and early November.
Test squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Alex Doolan, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve O’Keefe, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Sean Abbott, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.