Australia Call Up Doolan, Lynn, Muirhead

Australia have called up uncapped batsman Alex Doolan into their 15-man Test squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa.

Meanwhile, batsman Chris Lynn and leg-spinner James Muirhead are included in a 14-man squad to play three Twenty20 Internationals against England.

Doolan makes the squad for the three-Test series which sees fit-again fast bowlers Jackson Bird and James Pattinson also included while Lynn and Muirhead are selected in the Twenty20 International squad.

Australia take on South Africa in three Tests and three Twenty20 matches beginning on 12th February.

Shaun Marsh has also earned a recall to the Test squad as George Bailey is dropped from the side which won The Ashes against England.

Explaining why Bailey had been left out, National Selector John Inverarity said:

"This was a difficult decision, but on this occasion we felt Alex and Shaun have games that are well suited to facing South Africa in South Africa.

"We consider that both are strong players of pace bowling which is important given the strength of South Africa’s attack. Alex was on standby for the recent fifth Test in Sydney and scored a most impressive 165 not out against South Africa for Australia A last season.
 
"Shaun is a talented batsman who is striking the ball very well at the moment. He has the technique and potential to do well. On this occasion these two batsmen were preferred to Phillip Hughes who we feel is best suited to a top order position. Phillip remains a highly regarded batsman whose time will come.
 
"James Pattinson is regaining fitness and form. At his best he is a fine Test match bowler. Jackson Bird shaded out Nathan Coulter-Nile for the final bowling position and each of these bowlers is showing encouraging form."

Bailey will lead the Twenty20 side in three games against England on 29th January, 31st January and 2nd February.

Aaron Finch will be his vice-captain and there are places in the squad for bowlers Ben Cutting, Jos Hazlewood, Muirhead and Mitchell Starc, who is making a comeback from injury.

Cameron White is given a recall following strong performances in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.

"Cameron White and Chris Lynn have been in tremendous form this season and have shown themselves to be destructive hitters of the ball, as have all-rounders Dan Christian and Ben Cutting," Inverarity added.
 
"The NSP is looking to develop spin bowling options for both the ICC World Twenty20 and the 2015 ICC World Cup. Twenty-year-old James Muirhead has impressed recently. He is an exciting prospect as an emerging leg-spinner and will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.
 
"Mitchell Starc has a fine record in International T20 cricket and is an important player in our ICC World Twenty20 campaign. It is anticipated that he will be ready to perform by the end of this month."

Australia Test squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin (wicket-keeper, vice-captain), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson

Australia T20I squad: George Bailey (captain), Aaron Finch (vice-captain), Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, James Muirhead, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Cameron White

© Cricket World 2014