Burns surprise inclusion in Australia Test squad

BRISBANE: Batsman Joe Burns was a surprise addition Sunday to Australia´s 13-man squad for the third Test against India, starting in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

The 25-year-old Queensland right-hander was named as a replacement for injured Mitchell Marsh in the Australian team that defeated India by four wickets in Brisbane on Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead.

Burns has yet to play Test cricket, but reached his highest first-class score of 183 against New South Wales last month to put himself in the frame for selection.

Team coach Darren Lehmann said Burns offered flexibility with his ability to bat anywhere in the top six.

"He´s a very good player against fast bowling, he´s had a good couple of summers at the Gabba with Queensland," Lehmann said.

Lehmann said selectors went with an extra batsman for Marsh after Shane Watson bowled well in India´s second innings to adequately fill Marsh´s all-rounder role.

Marsh, who injured his right hamstring while bowling on the opening day of the Gabba Test, will stay with the Test squad and be assessed for the fourth Sydney Test, starting on January 6.

Lehmann said opener David Warner had a bruised left thumb after being struck by India paceman Umesh Yadav on the final day of the Gabba Test.

Lehmann said he would have liked Australia to have finished better in their chase after 128 runs for victory at the Gabba.

Australia - David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. (AFP)