Promising young fast-bowlers called in for Australia A's upcoming tour of India
Pattinson, Abbott to replace Cummins
James Pattinson is edging closer to a national recall after he was called up to replace Pat Cummins in Australia A's one-day squad for their tour of India early next month.
Pattinson, whose already truncated 2013-14 season was ended by a hamstring injury in March, replaces Cummins after the NSW quick was called in to Australia's Ashes squad last week in place of the retired Ryan Harris.
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The 25-year-old Victorian, highly-regarded by national selectors, has endured a run of injuries that has restricted him to just 13 Tests since he made his debut in December 2011.
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"This is an important part of James' recovery from injury, which has been progressing nicely under the guidance of our medical staff," said National Selector Rod Marsh.
Sean Abbott - already picked in the one-day squad - will replace Cummins for two four-day games against India A from July 22 in Chennai.
Australia A then play a one-day tri-series against India A and South Africa A starting on August 5.
Tasmanian quick Andrew Fekete, who is part of Australia A’s four-day squad, has also been placed on stand-by for the one-day matches.
"Sean and James are both quality young fast bowlers and we’re pleased to be giving them this opportunity in the challenging conditions of the sub-continent," Marsh said.
"Sean is a promising quick and this series will give him further international experience following last year’s tour of the UAE when he made his Australian debut."
Pattinson last represented Australia in the third Test of their tour of South Africa in March 2014 after which he spent time recovering from a serious back injury.
He made his return to state cricket with the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC T20 Big Bash League late last year before playing three Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria in February and March.
But he picked up a slight hamstring injury late in the season, which was serious enough to see him miss the Shield final in Hobart.
He is currently in Brisbane playing in a series of practice matches for the National Performance Squad against the National Indigenous Squad.
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He took 0-50 from eight overs, and added 21 with the bat, in the NPS's win on Wednesday ahead of two more matches at AB Field, on Saturday and Tuesday.
Cricket.com.au will provide live scores and video highlights of Australia A's Tour of India in July and August
Australia A four-day squad: captain Usman Khawaja (QLD), vc Matthew Wade (VIC), Sean Abbott (NSW), Ashton Agar (WA), Cameron Bancroft (WA), Joe Burns (QLD), Andrew Fekete (TAS), Peter Handscomb (VIC), Travis Head (SA), Nic Maddinson (NSW), Glenn Maxwell (VIC), Stephen O'Keefe (NSW), Gurinder Sandhu (NSW), Marcus Stoinis (VIC)
Australia A one-day squad: Usman Khawaja (QLD), vc Matthew Wade (VIC), Sean Abbott (NSW), Ashton Agar (WA), Cameron Boyce (QLD), Joe Burns (QLD), Nathan Coulter-Nile (WA), Callum Ferguson (SA), Peter Handscomb (VIC), Travis Head (SA), Chris Lynn (QLD), James Pattinson (VIC), Gurinder Sandhu (NSW), Adam Zampa (SA). Stand-by: Andrew Fekete (TAS)