NSW left-hander Usman Khawaja and Tasmanian
swingman Ben Hilfenhaus have been named in the Australian Test team to face
Pakistan in two Tests in England.
Khawaja, 23, born in Islamabad, Pakistan, arrived
in Australia aged four and is believed to be the first Muslim to be selected to
represent Australia.
When he was first selected for NSW in 2008, cricket
historian Kersi Meher-Homji said at the time he believed Khawaja was the first
local Muslim to play at this level, although he was not the first to be born in
the sub-continent. Mark Lavender, a West Australian batsman of the 1990s was
born in Chennai, India, while Dav Whatmore, born in Sri Lanka, played seven
Tests for Australia.
Khawaja's promotion arrives after a spot was opened
up by a shoulder injury to Phil Hughes. Hilfenhaus returns after proving he was over knee
tendonitis.
"Ben Hilfenhaus has successfully returned from
injury during the current Australia A series in Queensland," chairman of
selectors Andrew Hilditch said. "Ben was a
critical member of our 2009 Ashes bowling group and it is very pleasing to see
him back in the Test squad with the next Ashes series just around the
corner.
"The unfortunate injury to Phillip Hughes has
created an opportunity for another batsman to join the squad for these two Test
matches against Pakistan. "Usman Khawaja has been
selected on the back of some very strong Sheffield Shield
performances.
"He is seen by the National Selection Panel as
being capable of batting anywhere in the order in Test cricket, but importantly
for this particular series a top-order batsman who could bat in the top four
should the opportunity arise."
Brad Haddin was also picked in the squad despite a
tennis elbow complaint that allowed him to start batting only this
week.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke,
Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike
Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Steven
Smith, Shane Watson.