Cricket-Australia name uncapped spinner Doherty in revised squad

Australia have surprisingly dropped first-choice spinner Nathan Hauritz and replaced him with uncapped Xavier Doherty in a revised 13-man Ashes squad named on Saturday for the upcoming first test against England.

Also named in the squad for Thursday's first test was legspinner Steven Smith although left-armer Doherty is expected to start the Brisbane match.

"Nathan Hauritz is one of these players omitted and he can consider himself unlucky as his Australian record has been very good over the past 12 months," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said in a statement.

"However, the panel believes the left-arm orthodox variety Xavier Doherty provides against a predominantly right-handed English middle order is the better option in this game."

Australia have also dropped Callum Ferguson, Usman Khawaja and Ryan Harris from the original 17-man squad for the first test named earlier this week.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.