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Australia pick teenage quick

Image: Hazlewood: Test chance

Josh Hazlewood has been included in Australia's Test squad to tour India in October.

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Hazlewood fast tracked into Test squad

Rookie paceman Josh Hazlewood has been included in Australia's Test squad for the tour of India. Hazlewood, 19, has played just six first-class matches although he did make his one-day international debut in June, recording figures of 1-41 in a four-wicket defeat to England at the Rose Bowl. Another seam bowler, Peter George, is the only other uncapped player in a 15-man party for the two-match series in October. First-choice wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been left out after failing to recover from an elbow injury, meaning Tim Paine - who made his Test debut during the recent series against Pakistan in England - will continue behind the stumps. Opener Phillip Hughes has been recalled after regaining fitness following shoulder surgery in May.

Exciting

"The squad we have selected sees the return from injury of Phillip Hughes and includes a very good mix of experience and new young talent with Steven Smith, Hughes and two young fast bowlers in Peter George and Josh Hazlewood," said national selection panel (NSP) chairman Andrew Hilditch. "All these exciting young players have the potential to have a big impact in international cricket for many years and the NSP is confident they will all equip themselves well if the opportunity presents itself on this tour." He added: "India is ranked number one in Test cricket and there is no harder assignment in Test cricket at the moment than playing India on their home soil. "The Australian squad is really looking forward to the challenge. "The Australian team had a very successful home summer last year and an away series win against New Zealand. "While it was disappointing to draw the series in England against Pakistan, the squad reflects the good performances of the team over the last 12 months as we continue to prepare for the Ashes." The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starts in Mohali on October 1-5 and concludes in Bangalore from October 9-13. The Tests are followed by a a three-match one-day international series in Kochi (Oct 17), Visakhapatnam (Oct 20) and Goa (Oct 24). Australia Test squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson

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