Rookie pacers Peter George and Josh Hazlewood were the surprise picks, while fit-again opener Philip Hughes made a return to the 15-member Australian cricket squad announced on Thursday for the two-match Test series against India next month.
The squad, to be led by Ricky Ponting, will miss regular wicket-keeper Brad Haddin due to an elbow injury and Tim Paine will be doing the duty behind stumps in his absence.
“The squad we have selected sees the return from injury of Phillip Hughes and includes a very good mix of experience and new young talent with Steven Smith, Hughes and two young fast bowlers in Peter George and Josh Hazlewood,” Australia's National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.
The first Test will be played from October 1 in Mohali, while the second match is scheduled October 9 to 13 in Bangalore.
The squad: Ricky Ponting (capt.), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith & Shane Watson.
Keywords: India-Australia series
