Burns, Khawaja in Australia Squad for New Zealand Test

Melbourne: Batsmen Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja were Friday recalled by Australia for next week's first cricket Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Burns was selected ahead of Cameron Bancroft to open the batting alongside David Warner, while Khawaja was expected to fill the vacant No.3 position in a 12-man squad.

Burns and Khawaja, who were included in the Test squad for this month's postponed Tour of Bangladesh, both scored centuries for a Cricket Australia XI in last weekend's tour match against New Zealand in Canberra.

Khawaja has not played for Australia since the 2013 Ashes series, while Burns played two Tests against India last southern summer.

The rest of the squad is as expected, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and veteran batsman Adam Voges both retained.

It is a time of transition for the national side following the retirements of skipper Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris.

The three-Test series, which will be Steve Smith's first as permanent captain, starts at the Gabba on November 5.

Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said the squad represents an exciting new era for Australian cricket following the multiple retirements earlier this year.

Australia squad: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle.

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