Clarke to captain, Khawaja to debut at Sydney

Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) on Thursday announced a 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test match beginning in Sydney on 3 January.

Michael Clarke will captain the side with Brad Haddin to be his deputy for the Sydney Test.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said:

"Given the injury to Ricky Ponting the National Selection Panel made a recommendation to the Cricket Australia Board this afternoon that Michael Clarke assume captaincy of the Australian Cricket team for the fifth and final Vodafone Ashes Test match in Sydney and for the ODI series.

"This recommendation was unanimously endorsed by Directors. Brad Haddin has been appointed as vice-captain for this remaining Test match while Cameron White will deputise for Michael in both the one-day and Twenty20 form of the game. We congratulate Michael on his appointment and wish him well for the next few weeks."

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "The NSP today announced a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the SCG.

"Obviously we are very disappointed to have failed to win back the Ashes but we look forward to trying to level the series in Sydney.

"With Ricky being unavailable for this match we are sure that both Michael and Brad will lead this Australian side with great professionalism and the full support of the team as we strive for a victory in Sydney.

"We look forward to Ricky completing his recovery and leading this team to a fourth successive ICC Cricket World Cup on the sub-continent at the completion of the Australian summer.

"Usman Khawaja will make his debut for Australia in this match, something we are excited about given his tremendous form at domestic level over the past two seasons.

"The unfortunate injury to Ryan Harris during the fourth Test has provided the opportunity for Doug Bollinger to return to the Australian squad.

"The final side will be decided after we have had the opportunity to assess the wicket and the conditions in the following days at the SCG."

Team: Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke (captain), Michael Hussey, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk/vice-captain), Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Michael Beer.