After former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were suspended for ball-tampering at the South Africa tour earlier this year, selectors had only a handful of players left to choose from.
Sydney: Australia have turned a new page on Tuesday by including five uncapped players in their Test squad to play Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next month.
After former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were suspended for ball-tampering at the South Africa tour earlier this year, selectors had only a handful of players left to choose from.
Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will miss two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next month thanks to injuries. Australia will be left with one of its weakest Test squads in years.
Among the five debutants are Queensland trio Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Marnus Labuschagne, South Australia's Travis Head and Victoria's Aaron Finch.
"There has been significant change to our Test squad, due to the unavailability of a number of key players," said national selector Trevor Hohns to Agence France-Presse.
"That said, we firmly believe the squad selected is up to the challenge ahead, and is capable of playing a brand of cricket that can perform well in this series against Pakistan.
"It's a blend of experienced players who have a significant amount of either Test or first-class cricket, and a number of younger players who we are confident are ready for the Test arena," he further said.
Opener Matt Renshaw was dumped ahead of the Ashes last year but was recalled for the final Test in South Africa. he fills one of the spots left open by Smith and Warner. he will be ably supported by Aaron Finch, well known for his explosive batting in the shorter formats of the game.
Usman Khawaja, all-rounder Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh and either Head or Labuschagne will form the rest of the upper order.
Veteran Mitchell Starc will spearhead the bowling attack. Peter Siddle known for his blistering form too has been recalled to the side.
Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland and left-armed Ashton Agar will be the spinners with captain Tim Paine behind the wicket.
The first Test is in Dubai from October 7 with the second in Abu Dhabi from October 16.
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