Phil Hughes was Thursday handed another chance to resurrect his Australian career after being recalled as a replacement for Ricky Ponting in next week's first Test against Sri Lanka. Hughes, who has played for his country 17 times as an opener but not since against New Zealand in December 2011, was preferred ahead of Rob Quiney and Usman Khawaja to fill the void left by the retired Ponting.

"It is actually really special this time," Hughes told reporters ahead of the first Test in Hobart starting on December 14 Skipper Michael Clarke has still to decide on his batting order against Sri Lanka, but the opening pair of David Warner and Ed Cowan are expected to remain leaving Hughes seen as coming in at number three.

Selectors also recalled pace bowlers Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus for the December 14-18 Hobart Test for injured quicks John Hastings (back) and Josh Hazlewood (foot) from the side that lost to the Proteas by 309 runs in Perth. Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2012