Spinner Steve O'Keefe and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could make their Test debuts after being named on Monday in Australia's Test squad for next month's series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Left-armer O'Keefe, 29, was one of three spinners included for a tour expected to be played on slow pitches, and could be the 14th spinner to feature in Tests for Australia since the retirement of Shane Warne in 2007.
"We have picked O'Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour," said Australia chief selector Rod Marsh.
"We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners."
Incumbent off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who has taken 112 wickets in 33 Tests at 32.99, is expected to be the front-line spinner during the tour with Glenn Maxwell offering support.
Mitchell, 22, gets his chance following an explosive unbeaten 86 off 69 balls with seven sixes in a one-dayer against South Africa in Harare this month.
"Mitchell is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket," said Rod.
"His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it."
Selectors named only three fast-bowlers – Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle – in the Test squad for the anticipated spin-friendly pitches.
Young fast-bowler Pat Cummins was also included in the T20 squad, having last played for Australia in October 2012 before suffering a back injury.
Meanwhile, in the ODI squad, fast-bowler Sean Abbott was the big surprise after impressing at state level with New South Wales.
Captain Michael Clarke (hamstring) and all-rounder Shane Watson (ankle ligaments) were also included ahead of fitness tests, having been ruled out of the recent one-day tour of Zimbabwe.
Australia will play two Tests, three ODIs and a T20 match against Pakistan in October and early November.
Injured Clarke in race to be fit
Clarke was on Monday in doubt for next month's one-day series against Pakistan as he recovers from a hamstring injury, said the chief selector.
The skipper was also selected for the three-game ODI series against Pakistan, starting October 7, but Rod cast doubt on whether he would be fit.
"No, not confident," said Rod, when asked about Clarke's chances of playing in the ODIs. “You can't be confident about Clarke.
"Being named in the one-dayers, and not only named, but being captain too, he'll desperately try to be ready for them. Whether or not he will be, I don't know."
Finch takes over as T20 captain
Top-ranked batsman Aaron Finch was named as Australia's new T20 captain on Monday after George Bailey stood down to focus on next year's World Cup.
The explosive opener will first take charge of the side during the upcoming the series against Pakistan in the UAE.
"Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about," said Finch.
"It came as a big surprise but it was a very nice phone call to receive from Rod Marsh.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2014.
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