SYDNEY, Aug 11: Test understudy wicket-keeper Brad Haddin will lead a 14-man Australia A squad on a five-game tour to Pakistan next month, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.
The squad contains four members currently with the Australian Ashes squad in England — Haddin, batsman Brad Hodges, pacemen Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark.
Cricket Australia (CA) said an additional four reserves have been named should any of the four be required to play in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval from September 8.
“We have selected a squad of players that we consider could play for Australia in the future,” chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
“It is a very strong squad which includes some really exciting prospects.
“We believe it is a good balance for the tour which includes two, four-day matches and three one-day matches.”
Australia A will play two four-day matches against Pakistan A in Rawalpindi and three 50-over matches against Pakistan A in Lahore, CA said.
CA and the Australian Cricketers’ Association recently conducted a pre-tour inspection and said they were satisfied with the security measures in place.
A security officer will also travel with the team.
The squad will depart Australia on Sept 7 returning on Sept 28.
Australia A - Brad Haddin (NSW - captain), Michael Hussey (Western Australia), Nathan Bracken (NSW), Stuart Clark (NSW), Daniel Cullen (South Australia), Brad Hodge (Victoria), James Hopes (Queensland), Phil Jaques (NSW), Michael Lewis (Victoria), Marcus North (Western Australia), Shaun Tait (South Australia), Dominic Thornely (NSW), Shane Watson (Queensland), Cameron White (Victoria).
Reserves: Chris Hartley (Queensland), Chris Rogers (Western Australia), Mitchell Johnson (Queensland), Damien Wright (Tasmania). Coach: Tim Nielsen.—Reuters