TheSportsCampus

The Cricket Australia (CA) National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced a 14-player squad for the third Vodafone Test against South Africa starting Friday at the WACA Ground. Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings come in to the squad, while James Pattinson and Rob Quiney are out.

Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: "The NSP has today announced a squad of 14 players for the third Vodafone Test against South Africa starting on Friday in Perth. Shane Watson is ready to play and replaces Rob Quiney, while James Pattinson was not considered for selection due to injury. The pace bowling stocks in the squad have been boosted with the addition of the experienced Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings and emerging paceman Josh Hazlewood.

"John Hastings, who has played 11 ODIs and three T20s in Australian colours, deserves his inclusion in the squad following his excellent recent form. In Bupa Sheffield Shield cricket he has taken 22 wickets at 18.3 and consistently scored valuable lower order runs.

"Josh Hazlewood is a very exciting 21 year old pace bowler. He debuted for NSW when he was 17 and played an ODI game for Australia at 19. He has been improving steadily this season after an injury interrupted 2011-12 season.

"There is a possibility that the final XI could include four pace bowlers. Six quicks in the squad provides some options and recognises the demanding work shouldered by Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the first two Vodafone Tests against South Africa."

The Australian squad is: Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson (vc), Ed Cowan, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, John Hastings, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade and David Warner.