Cricket Australia announce Test squad for India

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was not included in the 15-man squad named on Thursday for Australia's two Tests in India next month.

Haddin has an elbow injury and will stay behind to rehabilitate ahead of the home Ashes Test series against England later this year. Opening batsman Phillip Hughes returns to the Australian squad from a dislocated shoulder, while young fast bowlers Peter George and Josh Hazlewood, have been selected.

Australia will take two recognised spinners, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz and leg spinner Steven Smith, to India. Hilditch said the selection of Hughes, Smith, George and Hazlewood have the potential to be key players in future Australian teams. As the first ODI of the Indian tour is not scheduled until October 17, Hilditch said the selection panel will monitor the fitness of injured players before making a decision on the squad for the ODI series. Australia will face India in Tests in Mohali (October 1-5) and Bangalore (October 9-13).

Australian Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon
Katich,Marcus North, Tim Paine (wkt), Steven Smith & Shane Watson.