Australia to take two spin bowlers to Sri Lanka for three-Test series

Cricket Australia (CA) has surprisingly recalled allrounder Moises Henriques to its 15-man Test cricket squad on Tuesday, while a second spin bowler has also been named in the team to head on a three-Test tour of Sri Lanka in July and August.

Henriques has been absent from the Australian Test squad for three years, but makes his return at the expense of injured quick bowler James Pattinson, while left arm spinner Steve O'Keefe comes in for veteran seamer Peter Siddle.

According to Cricket Australia's chief selector Rod Marsh, Siddle was only brought into the Test squad to make the most of seam-friendly wickets in New Zealand, whereas Sri Lanka's conditions have traditionally been more favorable for spin bowling.

"This squad has proven experience in subcontinental conditions," Marsh told the CA website on Tuesday.

"Henriques comes into the squad to give the flexibility of an additional allrounder option, having already shown he plays and adapts well to spin-friendly conditions.

"He has been working hard with his fitness and we believe he is in prime condition to serve us well should he be selected to play."

Henriques joins fellow allrounder Mitch Marsh in the squad, while O'Keefe is likely to compete with proven spinner Nathan Lyon.

The three-Test series begins in Kandy from July 26. Endit