SYDNEY: Allrounder Mitchell Marsh and left-arm spin bowler Steve O'Keefe have been included in the Australia test squad to play Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next month.
The uncapped pair were named Monday in a 15-man squad that also includes allrounder Glenn Maxwell, while Alex Doolan and Phillip Hughes will vie for the No.3 spot in the batting order.
"Mitch Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket," National Selector Rod Marsh said." His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it."
Hughes will travel to the UAE earlier than the rest of the team to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant Muttiah Muralitharan.
"Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad," Marsh said of Hughes. "His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity."
Just three fast-bowlers are named in the test squad -- Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle -- and both captain Michael Clarke and allrounder Shane Watson have been included despite being ruled out of the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe with injuries.
Batsman Aaron Finch has been appointed Australia's new Twenty20 captain for the tour, replacing George Bailey who stepped down Sunday to concentrate on his one-day career.
"Aaron is the world's number-one ranked T20 International batsman and thoroughly deserves this opportunity," Marsh said. Australia will play two tests, three one-dayers and a T20 match against Pakistan in the UAE starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 3.
Squads:
Test: Michael Clarke (captain), 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: Michael Clarke (captain), 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: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
