Test recall for Hughes

Left-handed opener to cover for recovering skipper Ponting

Hughes, who has not played a Test since being dropped after two games in the Ashes series earlier this year, would replace Ponting in the playing eleven if the skipper does not recover in time from his left elbow injury suffered during the third Test against West Indies in Perth.

The 21-year-old Hughes was included in the squad after his good recent form, which included a century against Victoria in Newcastle.

“Phillip Hughes has been added to the squad of 13 players for the 3 mobile Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan. While Ricky Ponting is expected to be fit for the Test, the NSP has picked a squad of 13 players for the match so there is adequate cover in the event that Ricky Ponting does not recover as quickly as is hoped,” National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.

Among others, pacer Peter Siddle was also included in the 13-man squad after missing the WACA Test with a hamstring injury, while fellow quick Ben Hilfenhaus misses out again following a knee problem that ruled him out of the final two Tests against West Indies at Adelaide and Perth.

“I can’t wipe the smile off my face,” Hughes was quoted as saying by ABC Monday.
“I found out today off (Cricket Australia operations manager) Michael Brown that I got the call and I was just pumped.

“The smile’s been on the face all day. I can’t wait to get on the plane tomorrow.”
Australian team physio therapist Alex Kountouris said: "Ben Hilfenhaus bowled eight overs in club cricket on Saturday. However, after bowling again at training on Sunday, he reported knee pain once again. As suchm he will not be available to play in the Boxing Day Test match and is likely to have a more extensive rehabilitation."

"Ben will now meet with Cricket Australia medical staff to determine the best course of action and plan his rehabilitation for the coming weeks. Ricky Ponting is having ongoing treatment today for his left elbow injury.

“We'll need to wait until he bats at training later in the week to determine his fitness for the Test match," Kountouris added.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin (wicketkeeper), Nathan Hauritz, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.