MEDIA RELEASE

21 December 2011 Australian squad announced for first Vodafone Test v India The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced a 13-man squad for the first Vodafone Test against India, which begins at the MCG on Boxing Day. The Australian squad is: Michael Clarke (c) NSW 30

Brad Haddin (vc) NSW 34

Dan Christian SA 28

Ed Cowan TAS 29

Ben Hilfenhaus TAS 28

Mike Hussey WA 36

Nathan Lyon SA 24

Shaun Marsh WA 28

James Pattinson VIC 21

Ricky Ponting TAS 37

Peter Siddle VIC 27

Mitchell Starc NSW 21

David Warner NSW 25 Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “A 13-man squad has been named for the first Vodafone Test against India, starting on Boxing Day. “The NSP has named 13 players due to the ongoing uncertainty about the fitness of Shaun Marsh. Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja have been omitted from the Australian team that played in Hobart and Shaun Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus have been added to the squad. Shane Watson was not considered for selection as he has not recovered sufficiently from his injury. Ryan Harris has not yet achieved the volume of bowling required to be available for consideration for Test selection. “Ed Cowan has been in excellent form in recent weeks. His inclusion is in recognition of his consistently good performances and we anticipate that he can provide steadiness at the top of the order. Ben Hilfenhaus has regained form this season and he provides a strong and reliable bowling option. “We see both Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja as developing players with bright futures and remaining as players of significance. They are determined young men and I know that they will work hard to produce compelling performances and push strongly for further consideration,” Inverarity said. The Australian squad assembles in Melbourne from tomorrow.