MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Opening batsman Phillip Hughes has returned from a dislocated shoulder while wicketkeeper Brad Haddin remains unavailable for Australia after selectors confirmed their test squad for two matches in India next month.
Hughes dislocated his shoulder while boxing in a training session and had surgery in May. Haddin has had an elbow tendon injury and been out of action since the World Twenty20.
Tim Paine, who replaced Haddin for Australia’s matches against Pakistan in England, has been retained in the side.
“Brad Haddin is making good progress with rehabilitation of his elbow tendon injury,” Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement.
“He is due to commence restricted batting in the next few weeks but will not be available to play in the test component.
“He is on track to be available for club cricket and for New South Wales with the possibility of being available for selection in the India or Sri Lanka one-day international series.”
Fast bowlers Peter George and Josh Hazelwood were both included for the series, with first test in Mohali on Oct. 1-5, while the second test in Bangalore is from Oct. 9-13.
“India is ranked number one in test cricket and there is no harder assignment in test cricket at the moment than playing India on their home soil,” national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
Hilditch said the 15-man squad reflected their satisfaction with the progress of the team over the past year.
“The Australian team had a very successful home summer last year and an away series win against New Zealand,” he added.
“While it was disappointing to draw the series in England against Pakistan, the squad reflects the good performances of the team over the last 12 months as we continue to prepare for the Ashes.”
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.
