Faulkner added to Australia Test squad

Australia have added all-rounder James Faulkner to their Test squad to face Pakistan in the UAE this month, as a potential replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who is still injured.

Marsh is aiming for his Test debut, in place of the hurt Shane Watson, but this is at risk given his hamstring strain. If he is not fit in time, for the first Test on 22 October, then Faulkner could step in.

A report on Cricket Australia’s website read: “The allrounder has resumed jogging and batting in the nets but team physio Alex Kountouris has suggested building up Marsh’s bowling loads to full capacity will be the tricky part ahead of the Test series.”

Marsh is already missing the ODI series, though Faulkner is playing, and Glenn Maxwell is another all-rounder option for the first Test.

The Aussies are also waiting on the hamstring and lower back fitness of skipper Michael Clarke, who sat out of the ODI series in the hopes of being fully fit for the Test series.

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