Usman Khawaja may become the first Muslim to represent Australia after he was chosen in the 14-man squad to play Tests against Pakistan at Lords and Leeds next month. While wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has been picked subject to fitness and remains in doubt with tennis elbow, Khawaja has been selected as the reserve batsman to replace the injured Phil Hughes, who recently had shoulder surgery. Swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus, the leading wicket-taker in last years Ashes series, also returns to the squad after missing most of the summer with a knee injury, forcing out Clint McKay from the party which toured New Zealand earlier this year. Hilfenhaus claimed five wickets for Australia A yesterday in a four-day match against Sri Lanka at Brisbanes Allan Border Field, which ended with a comfortable home victory. Khawaja, 23, was born in Pakistan but his family moved to Australia when he was a young boy. In a strange twist of fate he could soon be playing against his country of birth, crickets foremost Muslim Test nation. His selection comes after an outstanding season for NSW, scoring 698 runs at 63 with three centuries despite missing three Sheffield Shield matches with a broken thumb. The two Tests against Pakistan will take place at Lords from July 13 to 17 July and Headingley from July 21 to 25.
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