“With some players still being assessed by our medical team after four demanding Tests, we have decided to add Alex to ensure we have sufficient cover in our batting line-up should it be required,” NSP chairman John Inverarity said today.

“Alex is a talented player who came under strong consideration for selection ahead of the Ashes series after a string of solid performances in four day cricket for Tasmania at the start of this season, but also after an excellent finish to last season and we feel those performances warrant his inclusion in the squad of 14 for Sydney.''

Doolan, 28, averages 37.92 from 53 first class matches. He bolted into Test calculations after making 161 against the touring South Africans last summer, and also scored a classy century in Tasmania's only Shield win this season.

He is preparing for tonight's Big Bash League match for the Melbourne Renegades against Brisbane Heat at Etihad Stadium, after which he will join fellow NTCA graduates George Bailey and James Faulkner in the squad for the fifth Ashes Test.

Watson injured his groin in the Boxing Day Test and has been receiving ongoing treatment.

A decision on whether he plays will be made closer to the start of the Test, which begins Friday.