AUSTRALIAN selectors have named a strong line-up, featuring Nowra's Nic Maddinson, for a three-day tour match against Pakistan in Perth, creating a high-stakes bat-off among leading contenders ahead of the upcoming Test series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey will captain the side for the day-night first-class fixture featuring five batsmen with Test experience, who'll all be pushing their case for selection for the opening Test match against Pakistan at the Gabba, from November 21.
Related content: Maddo's Victorian side lose nail-biter to Western Australia
"We are pleased to pick a strong XI for the three-day tour match against Pakistan, several of whom were part of our successful Ashes campaign in the UK during the winter," national selector Trevor Hohns said in a Cricket Australia statement.
"We will closely monitor performances in this match as well as the coming rounds of the Sheffield Shield before deciding upon our squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan."
Marcus Harris and Joe Burns are slated to open for Australia, ahead of Usman Khawaja, Will Pucovski, Travis Head and Maddinson.
"In terms of the batting line-up, we were eager to give Khawaja, Head and Marcus Harris another opportunity to push their respective cases for Test selection this summer given all three were part of our winter Ashes campaign," Hohns said.
"Joe Burns was an unlucky omission for that tour to the UK and deserves a chance to push his case for Test selection in this tour match.
"Additionally, Will Pucovski and Nic Maddinson have started the season strongly for Victoria and we're looking forward to giving them an opportunity to perform against a quality international team - both are exciting batsmen whom we've had our eye on for some time."
Related content: A comeback to remember: Maddo's Victorians edge Tasmania
Carey will come in at seven before the bowlers, which include Michael Neser, an uncapped member of Australia's Ashes tour and the current leading Marsh Sheffield Shield wicket-taker, Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott and Riley Meredith.
"The pace attack is similarly strong - Sean Abbott has been a very good performer for NSW for the last couple of seasons and has improved with both ball and bat," Hohns said.
"Riley Meredith is an exciting young prospect and a wicket-taking option, while Jhye Richardson continues to improve in his return from shoulder surgery.
"And Michael Neser has started this season in excellent form after touring with the Ashes squad through the winter.
"We have not selected a spinner because we felt they would receive limited opportunities in a three-day day-night fixture in Perth compared to a four-day Sheffield Shield match."
The Australia A and Pakistan tour match will run from November 11-13 at Perth Stadium.