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Steve O'Keefe and Mitchell Marsh in Australia Test squad for Pakistan series

Image: Steve O'Keefe: Test chance for spinner

Left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh have been included in Australia's Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The uncapped duo have been named in a 15-man party that also includes all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and recalled batsman Phil Hughes.

Australia will play two Tests, three one-dayers and a Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the UAE in October and early November.

"We have picked Steve O'Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour," said 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.

"Mitch Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket.

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Fantastic

"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."

Hughes will vie with Alex Doolan for the No 3 spot in the Test batting order.

He will travel to the UAE earlier than his team-mates to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant and Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan.

Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about. It came as a big surprise but it was a very nice phone call to receive from Rod Marsh.
Aaron Finch

"Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad," Marsh said. "His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity."

Only three fast-bowlers - Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle - have been named in the Test squad for the anticipated slower, spin-friendly pitches.

Captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson will both undergo fitness tests ahead of the tour, having been ruled out of the recent one-day tour of Zimbabwe.

Aaron Finch, who tops the Twenty20 international batting rankings, was named as Australia's new Twenty20 captain after George Bailey stood down to focus on the one-day World Cup.

The 27-year-old has an average of 41.25 in 18 Twenty20 internationals, including a stunning 156 off 63 balls against England last year.

Surprise

"Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about," Finch said.

"It came as a big surprise but it was a very nice phone call to receive from Rod Marsh."

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.

In the one-day squad, paceman Sean Abbott was the big surprise after impressing at state level with New South Wales.  

Test squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Alex Doolan, Michael Clarke (capt), Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe.

ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Sean Abbott, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

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