Opener Ed Cowan will make his Test debut on Boxing Day after he was named in Australia's 13-man squad at the expense of the injured Shane Watson.
Watson, who has failed to train at Australia's pre-Test batting camp due to calf soreness, was joined on the injury scrapheap by paceman Ryan Harris (hip), while Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja were dropped from the squad.
Also named was all-rounder Dan Christian who, according to national selector John Inverarity, will battle it out with Shaun Marsh for a spot in the XI to take on India at the MCG.
Marsh, who missed the recent New Zealand series with a back injury, has participated in the nets over the last two days and has until matchday to prove his fitness.
But Christian, who has taken just 10 wickets at an average of 49.7 this domestic season for South Australia but made 475 runs at 59.37, may have the inside running with Australia likely to require a fifth bowler against the star-studded Indian batting line-up.
Ben Hilfenhaus was also thrown a Test lifeline and either he or Mitchell Starc will be named in the pace attack on the morning of the Test.
The 28-year-old Hilfenhaus has not played a Test since being axed after Australia's Ashes loss, while Starc is eyeing his third Test apperance after a less-than-convincing start to his career in Brisbane and Hobart.
Inverarity said selectors have been considering Hilfenhaus' selection for some weeks.
"He is in very good form. He has had a few body concerns and his action deteriorated a little bit last year and he seems to have got that back," he said after naming the squad.
"He is a strong, durable, experienced bowler and he is in the the squad to provide an option because of that."
Cowan has played his way into a baggy green with an outstanding year with the bat.
The 29-year-old scored 109 for the Chairman's XI against India on Tuesday, following up his 145 versus New Zealand for Australia A last month, as well as two big Sheffield Shield centuries for Tasmania to take his 2011 first-class average to 54.12.
"Ed has been a very good cricketer, he's in a rich vein of form. He knows his game well. I think we need a bit more steadiness and we're looking for him to provide that," Inverarity said.
"He's played very well in recent weeks. One is fortunate if one gets selected when you one is in good form... The stars have aligned for Ed.
"He's a fine young man and he's playing very well... I think it's a very obvious selection."
Cowan said he received the call last night while at dinner with his godparents.
"My instant reaction was shock. The hairs on your arms stand up and it doesn't quite sink in and it still hasn't," he said.
"I had a sleepless night last time but hopefully when I meet up with the team and get in a routine it will settle the nerves a bit.
"It's something you dream of from when your a kid to play in a Boxing Day Test.
"After a brief moment of reflection you want to contribute to the team. So it will be down to the grindstone until the series is done when you can reflect on what hopefully is a positive outcome."
Inverarity hinted Watson, who missed the entire New Zealand series, will push for a return in Sydney where it is likely he will play just as a batsman.
"The word from Shane Watson was that he is not fit to play. He's had ongoing troubles with his calf," he said.
"His situation is improving and we hope he's in contention for the second Test. It is an option for him to bat down the order."
Hughes' dropping was unsurprising after scores of just 20, 4, 7 and 10 in the New Zealand series while the promising Khawaja, who has also failed to bed down a spot with a big score, has seemingly made way for the retention of veterans Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.
"They've been tremendous cricketers and contribute a lot to the side," said Inverarity of Ponting and Hussey.
"All the selection panel are keen for them to do well.
"We're hoping they have a breakthrough in the next week or two."
Australian squad:
Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Tags: cricket, sport, australia, india First posted December 21, 2011 13:13:30
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