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Speedster Patrick Cummins has impressed the Australian selectors in the Twenty20 in South African to replace James Pattinson in the only change to the fifteen-man Test squad for the two-match Series against South Africa.
The squad is: Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson (vc), Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Patrick Cummins, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.
National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:
“The Test squad for South Africa is very similar to the squad that played so well on the recent successful tour of Sri Lanka.
“The squad has a very good balance of experience and exciting young talent.
“While playing South Africa on their home soil is one of the hardest assignments in world cricket, it will be a very exciting challenge for this new-look Test side after it played excellent cricket to win the Sri Lankan series last month.”
“The only change to the squad is that Patrick Cummins replaces James Pattinson.
“James is very unlucky to miss selection. He is a very good young fast bowler who has done well in his limited opportunities at international level to date.
“We’re sure he’ll return to the Bupa Sheffield Shield and place plenty of pressure on those in the Test squad ahead of what is a very demanding domestic summer of Test cricket.
“Patrick Cummins has gained selection ahead of James for this tour.
“Patrick is a very exciting prospect and at just 18 years of age is already showing the ability to have a significant impact at international level.
“Patrick would have most likely been on the tour of Sri Lanka if not for injury at the end of last season.
“Now he’s back fit and bowling well, we saw this as the right time to bring him into the Test squad for this important series.
“We face back-to-back Tests in South Africa ahead of another six Tests in Australia, so managing our fast bowlers through this tough schedule will be extremely important.
“This squad gives us the flexibility to adapt to all conditions and we think gives us the right balance to maximise our chances of winning the series.