Cowan in; Khawaja, Hughes out for Boxing day Test
Ed Cowan's impressive performance against the Indians in the practice game has earned him a call up to the Australian Test squad for the first Test against India at Melbourne.
Regular opener, Shane Watson failed to recover in time to make the first Test squad and it is likely that either Shaun Marsh or Ed Cowan partner the in-form David Warner at the top of the order. Usman Khawaja and Philip Hughes both failed to impress in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand and have been dropped from the side.
National selector, John Inverarity said a 13 man squad was named due to the uncertainty over Shaun Marsh's fitness.
"The NSP has named 13 players due to the ongoing uncertainty about the fitness of Shaun Marsh. Shane Watson was not considered for selection as he has not recovered sufficiently from his injury. Ryan Harris has not yet achieved the volume of bowling required to be available for consideration for Test selection."
"Ed Cowan has been in excellent form in recent weeks. His inclusion is in recognition of his consistently good performances and we anticipate that he can provide steadiness at the top of the order. Ben Hilfenhaus has regained form this season and he provides a strong and reliable bowling option," John Inverarity said.
"We see both Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja as developing players with bright futures and remaining as players of significance. They are determined young men and I know that they will work hard to produce compelling performances and push strongly for further consideration," he summed up.
Australian batting veterans, Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting, who have been struggling to hit form, were included in the 13 man squad and the management will desperately hope that the batting legends repay some of their faith shown with a good performance.
Watson's absence could force the former No. 1 side to play all rounder Dan Christian to add some balance to their side. Watson has been one of the major contributors to the side that is failing to live upto their lofty reputation set in the previous decade and his absence will be sorely felt by the Oz.
On the bowling front, Ben Hilfenhaus was a surprise inclusion but he is likely to be on the sidelines with James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc expected to share the workload with Peter Siddle. Nathan Lyon picked himself in the starting XI being the only spinner in the team.
Squad for 1st Test: Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Daniel Christian, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
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