Phillip Hughes is the man who will replace Ricky Ponting in the Australian batting order, selectors announced today.
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Hughes, who is averaging 51.80 this summer for his new state South Australia, has been named in the 12-man squad for next week's first Test against Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval.
Hughes beat out a quartet of batsmen for the spot, including Tasmania's Alex Doolan, Usman Khawaja and Rob Quiney.
National Selector John Inverarity said skipper Michael Clarke ``will give careful consideration to his batting order during the next few days''.
There is speculation that Hughes will bat at three, with Shane Watson dropping down to four.
Tigers paceman Ben Hilfenhaus and fellow quick Peter Siddle return to the squad for the injured Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings.
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD: Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson (vc), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon.