Hughes back for India tour, Haddin still recovering

MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Opening batsman Phillip  Hughes has returned from a dislocated shoulder while  wicketkeeper Brad Haddin remains unavailable for Australia  after selectors confirmed their test squad for two matches in  India next month.

Hughes dislocated his shoulder while boxing in a training  session and had surgery in May. Haddin has had an elbow tendon  injury and been out of action since the World Twenty20.

Tim Paine, who replaced Haddin for Australia’s matches  against Pakistan in England, has been retained in the side.

“Brad Haddin is making good progress with rehabilitation of  his elbow tendon injury,” Australian team physiotherapist Alex  Kountouris said in a statement.

“He is due to commence restricted batting in the next few  weeks but will not be available to play in the test component.

“He is on track to be available for club cricket and for  New South Wales with the possibility of being available for  selection in the India or Sri Lanka one-day international  series.”

Fast bowlers Peter George and Josh Hazelwood were both  included for the series, with first test in Mohali on Oct. 1-5,  while the second test in Bangalore is from Oct. 9-13.

“India is ranked number one in test cricket and there is no  harder assignment in test cricket at the moment than playing  India on their home soil,” national selection panel chairman  Andrew Hilditch said.

Hilditch said the 15-man squad reflected their satisfaction  with the progress of the team over the past year.

“The Australian team had a very successful home summer last  year and an away series win against New Zealand,” he added.

“While it was disappointing to draw the series in England  against Pakistan, the squad reflects the good performances of  the team over the last 12 months as we continue to prepare for  the Ashes.”

Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug  Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben  Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson,  Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane  Watson.