Friday 17 November 2017 09:09, UK
Australia's selectors have recalled Tim Paine as wicketkeeper in their 13-man squad for the opening two Tests of the Ashes series in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Media speculation on Thursday had predicted the bold move by the selectors, with 32-year-old Tasmania player Paine getting the nod ahead of Peter Nevill and Matthew Wade.
Paine, who has only scored one first-class hundred in his career - in 2006 - last played for his country in October 2010 and rarely keeps wicket for his state, with Wade usually taking the role.
In-form Western Australia opener Cameron Bancroft will also be in contention to make his debut the opening Test on November 23, with Matt Renshaw missing out.
Shaun Marsh joins fellow Western Australia batsman Bancroft in the squad, while South Australian fast bowler Chadd Sayers may also get the opportunity to play his first match for his country.
"Tim was identified as an international player a long time ago and has always been renowned as a very good gloveman, also performing well for us whenever he has represented Australia in any format," National Selector Trevor Hohns said of Paine's inclusion.
"His batting form in recent outings for the Cricket Australia XI and Tasmania has been good."
Paine admitted himself that he had begun to assume of late that his Test career was probably history.
"I thought it was pretty close if I'm honest," said the Tasmanian. "(I am) a little bit surprised, but very grateful and excited by the opportunity I've been given in the next few weeks.
"To have this opportunity is amazing. It's mine to do what I can with it. I'm as ready as I've ever been with the gloves. I'm rapt to have the opportunity and I plan on making the most of it."
As for Bancroft's inclusion, Hohns insisted he had earned his inclusion after some impressive performances in domestic cricket.
"Cameron has been a player of interest to us for some time now, having been unlucky to miss out on the Test tour to Bangladesh that was cancelled in 2015," he added.
"He is a very talented and tough cricketer who shows a good temperament for Test cricket.
"He has thoroughly earned and deserves his call-up following some outstanding performances in the early rounds of the JLT Sheffield Shield competition this season."
Australia's 13-man squad:
Steve Smith (captain)
David Warner (vice-captain)
Cameron Bancroft
Jackson Bird
Pat Cummins
Peter Handscomb
Josh Hazlewood
Usman Khawaja
Nathan Lyon
Shaun Marsh
Tim Paine
Chadd Sayers
Mitchell Starc
