Batsman Shaun Marsh named in Australia Test squad

Adelaide, Nov 18 - Left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh was on Wednesday named as a replacement for injured Usman Khawaja in Australia's squad for the third cricket Test against New Zealand starting here on November 27.

West Australian Shaun replaced Khawaja who injured his left hamstring in the second Test match in Perth and is likely to be unavailable for Australia’s next two matches.

“Shaun was unlucky to miss out on the squad for the first two Tests and since then has scored consistently in Sheffield Shield, so we believe he deserves this opportunity," Cricket Australia (CA)'s National Selector Rod Marsh said in a release.

New South Welshman Stephen O’Keefe has also been included in the side as an extra spin-bowling option.

“We have opted to include an extra spinner in the squad for Adelaide as we are unsure what conditions we will see there. Stephen was included in our squad that was to go to Bangladesh and if he should get an opportunity we think he will make the most of it," Rod said.

Victorian paceman James Pattinson joins the squad following the retirement of left-armer Mitchell Johnson.

“James has made a good return to Shield cricket following his injury and has earned this re-call. He has worked incredibly hard and we are confident that he is ready to perform at Test level if selected.”

The squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner (vice-captain), Joe Burns, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill, Steve O’Keefe, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges.

(IANS)