PantherPower83
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Usman Khawaja named in Australia's Test squad to play Pakistan in England
June 22, 2010 .New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja is in line to make his Test cricket debut after being named in Australia's squad to face Pakistan in two Tests in England.
Khawaja was promoted to the 13-man touring party after a spot opened because of the shoulder injury to Phil Hughes.
"The unfortunate injury to Phillip Hughes has created an opportunity for another batsman to join the squad for these two Test matches against Pakistan," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said.
"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, (Kwawaja is) a top-order batsman who could bat in the top four should the opportunity arise."
The selectors, meanwhile, have recalled Ben Hilfenhaus to the squad after the Tasmania bowler proved he had recovered from knee tendinitis.
"Ben Hilfenhaus has successfully returned from injury during the current Australia A series in Queensland," 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."
Brad Haddin was also picked in the squad despite a tennis elbow complaint that restricted him from batting until this week.
Australian Team:
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.
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First cricketer of ethnic decent in recent times that I can think of who has made their debut for Australia.
June 22, 2010 .New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja is in line to make his Test cricket debut after being named in Australia's squad to face Pakistan in two Tests in England.
Khawaja was promoted to the 13-man touring party after a spot opened because of the shoulder injury to Phil Hughes.
"The unfortunate injury to Phillip Hughes has created an opportunity for another batsman to join the squad for these two Test matches against Pakistan," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said.
"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, (Kwawaja is) a top-order batsman who could bat in the top four should the opportunity arise."
The selectors, meanwhile, have recalled Ben Hilfenhaus to the squad after the Tasmania bowler proved he had recovered from knee tendinitis.
"Ben Hilfenhaus has successfully returned from injury during the current Australia A series in Queensland," 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."
Brad Haddin was also picked in the squad despite a tennis elbow complaint that restricted him from batting until this week.
Australian Team:
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.
__________________________________________
First cricketer of ethnic decent in recent times that I can think of who has made their debut for Australia.