Sydney: Matthew Wade was named on Monday as Australia's wicketkeeper for the opening clash against South Africa in Brisbane next week, suggesting Brad Haddin's Test career could be at an end.
Haddin, 35, has been resurgent in recent months, leading the Sydney Sixers to the Champions League Twenty20 title on Sunday night, but Australia's five-man selection panel opted for the younger Wade, 24.
Australia's 12-man squad includes an expected top-six batting line-up, with Ed Cowan to open with David Warner, followed by Shane Watson, 165-Test veteran Ricky Ponting, skipper Michael Clarke and veteran Mike Hussey.
Spinner Nathan Lyon is included along with pace bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc.
Wade made his debut in Barbados in April against the West Indies and posted a century in the third Test in Dominica after Haddin left the tour for family reasons.
The three-Test series starts at The Gabba on November 9.
Australia squad for first Test