Aussies pick four rookies to tour

Australia included four uncapped players in their squad for the three-test tour of Sri Lanka next month, while batsman Phil Hughes was anointed as Shane Watson's opening partner.

Offspinner Nathan Lyon, batsman Shaun Marsh and fast bowlers Trent Copeland and James Pattinson made the squad. There was no room for the pace duo of Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Michael Clarke leads in his first test series as full-time captain on the tour from August 6 to September 20. It includes two Twenty20 matches and five one-dayers.

Ricky Ponting, Watson and Michael Hussey add experience.

Selectors chairman Andrew Hilditch said the squad was a good blend of young and old.

"It is obviously a very important time for Australian cricket as we strive to get back to the top of world rankings in test cricket," he said.

"But at the same time it is a very exciting opportunity for this squad as it takes on Sri Lanka on its home soil. We believe the squad has a really good blend of experience and young talented players who we are sure are ready for the challenges.

"There is a quiet confidence about the group. We are sure [it] will do all in its power to get the Australian test team back to where it needs to be in world cricket."

Hughes got the nod to open with Watson after his run splurge late in Australia's domestic season. Hilditch sees the makings of a great opening partnership.

South Australian offspinner Lyon was selected after just four first-class games, with the 23-year-old impressing on the just-completed Australia A tour of Zimbabwe.

Left-arm spinner Michael Beer, who played one Ashes test last summer, was also included. Paceman Copeland was picked on the strength of 87 wickets from his 17 first-class matches. Pattinson, 21, has played only eight first-class games.

"James is a young fast bowler with the potential to play an important role for Australia in all three forms of the game and we look forward to watching his further development during this tour," said Hilditch.

Pattinson follows elder brother Darren into test cricket. His sibling only played one match when he was plucked from obscurity to turn out for England, his birth country, against South Africa in 2008.

The test series opens in Galle on August 31 with tests to follow in Kandy from September 8 and Colombo from September 16.

The Proteas will keep a sharp eye on the series as Australia tour South Africa in October and November and Sri Lanka in December and January.