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.
Usman Khawaja playing for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in Brisbane last week.Credit: Getty Images
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.
Usman Khawaja.
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.
AAP