Australia name squad for first India test, recall Hilfenhaus

Melbourne: Australia have brought back workhorse paceman Ben Hilfenhaus into the test fold in place of youngster Mitchell Starc for the first test against India, which starts on Monday. Hilfenhaus, a natural swing bowler, was dropped after a poor series against England earlier this year, but has worked his way back into the side with strong form in domestic cricket. He will join a pace attack that features Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, with Nathan Lyon the lone specialist spinner. [caption id=“attachment_164404” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“File picture of Ben Hilfenhaus with Michael Hussey (left) and Michael Clarke (right). Reuters”]  [/caption] Top order batsman Shaun Marsh has been recalled after recovering from a back strain suffered in South Africa, while former captain Ricky Ponting and middle order batsman Mike Hussey have retained their places. All rounder Shane Watson has yet to shake off an injury while Starc has been named as the 12th man. Skipper Michael Clarke will lead Australia into the first match of a four-test series, with his counterpart Mahendra Singh Dhoni hoping to guide India to their first test series win on Australian soil. Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner. Reuters