Australia have named a 13-man squad for the Boxing Day Test Match. The Australian team has a very new look to it with the inclusion of rookie players like opener Ed Cowan and all-rounder Daniel Christian. Three key names that are missing in the Aussie side are Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris, all of whom are injured.
The Australian Selectors have axed opener Phil Hughes and one down batsman UsmanKhawaja from the team that had lost the second and final Test against New Zealand recently at Hobart. The Selectors have retained both the old warhorses - former Skipper Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.
The Australian bowling attack will have the relatively experienced Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus along with newcomers James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, all-rounder pacer Daniel Christian and offie Nathan Lyon.
Apart from the senior trio of Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey, the batting line-up has the inexperienced David Warner, Shaun Marsh and rookie Ed Cowan along with all-rounder Christian and Wicket Keeper Brad Haddin. The 29-year-old Ed Cowan forced his way into the side following his century in the ongoing warm-up game between CA Chairman's XI and Indians at Canberra. Cowan currently plays for Tasmania. The other rookie in the side is Daniel Christian whose all-round capabilities are pretty well known because of his exploits in the IPL.
According to the Aussie Selectors, Shaun Marsh's selection is subject to his fitness which he will have to prove ahead of the Boxing Day Test Match.
Australia : Michael Clarke (Captain), Ed Cowan, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon