O'Keefe named in Australia Test squad

Australia

The uncapped Stephen O'Keefe and Mitchell Marsh have been named in Australia's squad for next month's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The uncapped Stephen O'Keefe and Mitchell Marsh have been named in Australia's squad for next month's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Spinner O'Keefe and all-rounder Marsh have graduated on the back of a superb stretch of form at domestic first-class and international limited-overs level.

Opening batsman Phillip Hughes and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile, have been recalled – and captain Michael Clarke despite a recurring hamstring injury.

"We have picked O'Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour. We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners," said national selector Rod Marsh.

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

"Glenn is a talented all-rounder who enjoys playing on dry pitches. Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad. His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity."

The two-Test series, which will get underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 22 October, will be preceded by a one-off Twenty20 International and three ODIs.

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

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