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Phillip Hughes returns to Australia squad for Sri Lanka match

Hughes back for Australia
© AP Photos
Phillip Hughes returns for Australia for their first Test match against Sri Lanka this month and will replace Ricky Ponting in the 12-man squad.

Phillip Hughes has been drafted back into the Australian cricket team for their first Test match against Sri Lanka later this month.

The 24-year-old left-handed batsman will replace the retired Ricky Ponting in the squad after getting the nod ahead of Usman Khawaja, Rob Quiney and Alex Doolan.

Hughes last played for Australia in December 2011 in their defeat by New Zealand at Hobart.

"The national selection panel holds the view that he, having just turned 24, is a very significant part of the future," said selection chairman John Inverarity.

"It was considered to be the right time and circumstances for him to re-establish himself."

The first of the three-match Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka starts in Hobart on December 14.

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