Dropped paceman Doug Bollinger has been recalled to replace the injured Ryan Harris, while left-arm spinner Michael Beer retains his place in the 12-man squad for the Test at the SCG, starting Monday.
Clarke will become Australia's 44th Test captain with Ricky Ponting out injured and will take the reins of the embattled Australian side for his home Test.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Khawaja had won a call-up as a result of his outstanding form for New South Wales, where he has averaged more than 74 in Sheffield Shield games this year.
"Usman Khawaja will make his debut for Australia in this match, something we are excited about given his tremendous form at domestic level over the past two seasons," Hilditch said.
"The unfortunate injury to Ryan Harris during the fourth Test has provided the opportunity for Doug Bollinger to return to the Australian squad."
At age 36, Ponting has been under extreme pressure with his team failing badly in its bid to regain the Ashes on home soil, while his batting form has been dreadful, yielding just 113 runs at 16.14 in the series.
The Australian team for the final Test in the series was scheduled to be announced at noon AEDT but has now been delayed until 5.30pm.
In a statement, Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Ricky Ponting had a repeat x-ray after the fourth Test which showed evidence that the fracture of his fifth finger has moved during the course of the Melbourne Test."
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said Victorian captain Cameron White would deputise for for Clarke in both the upcoming one-day and Twenty20 series.
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR FIFTH TEST....
Michael Clarke (c)
Brad Haddin (vc)
Doug Bollinger
Michael Beer
Phillip Hughes
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Usman Khawaja
Peter Siddle
Steven Smith
Shane Watson
No comments:
Post a Comment