The 31-year-old paceman from Ulverstone, who played the last of his 27 Test matches in 2012 in his home state against Sri Lanka, comes into the squad for the two Test series against Pakistan in the UAE after Watson suffered "right calf soreness" during his rehab from the ankle injury that kept him out of the ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe.

"The selectors have opted for another pace option in Ben as we feel we have enough cover in the all-rounder position," national selector Rod Marsh said yesterday.

"He is an experienced bowler who has worked very hard to get himself back to peak fitness and we know how well he can bowl in tough conditions."

Hilfenhaus, who has played taken 99 wickets at 28.50 in his Test career since debuting against South Africa in 2009, joins Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc as front-line pace options, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh also in the squad.

The Tasmanian is currently in India on Champions League duties with the Hobart Hurricanes.

The first Test match is in Dubai on Wednesday, October 22.

South Australian paceman Kane Richardson has replaced Watson in the ODI and T20 squads.