Melbourne, Nov 26(ANI): Trent Copeland and James Pattinson are likely to get berths in the squad for the team's first Test match against New Zealand starting from December 1 in Brisbane.
The inclusion of both players seem imminent since five Australian players, Ryan Harris, Patrick Cummins, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh have been ruled out of the forthcoming Test match.
Copeland's ability to bowl long spells might pay the way for his inclusion in the squad to compensate the loss of a seamer Watson, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Pattinson, who claimed 4-96 for Australia A against New Zealand, is likely to replace Cummins.
"He's one that has been around our group for a while and was probably a little bit unlucky not to be in the Test squad on the last trip to South Africa but he made room for Patty, and we know what Patty's done the last couple of weeks," former captain Ricky Ponting said.
"James is a terrific young bloke and a very good bowler, and his record for Victoria is getting better and better. The time that he's spent around older, wiser heads coaching-wise and playing-wise has held him in good stead," he added.
Australia's newly-appointed cricket head coach Mickey Arthur said the selectors would also take into account matches beyond the Australia A game featuring Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc and Ben Cutting.
"I think we have enough options. I'm really excited by the depth. I guess I just didn't think it would be tested quite so soon," Arthur said.
Arthur's stress on bowlers could prove lucky for left-armer Mitchell Starc.
Hilfenhaus, who earlier claimed five wickets against the West Indies would likely compete with Copeland for the berth in the forthcoming Brisbane Test.
Cutting, a Queenslander could likely feature as a forceful lower-order batsman in the upcoming Test. (ANI)
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