Bollinger back in the frame

Doug Bollinger has won a recall to Australia's Test side after impressing during the one-day campaign in India

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Doug Bollinger has been recalled to the Australia squad for the opening Test against West Indies at the Gabba.

The left-arm pace bowler has not featured since making his Test debut against South Africa in January, but returns at the expense of New South Wales team-mate Stuart Clark, who played the final two Tests of Australia’s unsuccessful Ashes campaign in England this summer.

Bollinger failed to take wicket in that match at the SCG, despite vowing to give 150,000% to the cause.

Andrew Hilditch, chairman of the selection panel, said: “Stuart is extremely unlucky to miss selection but we have been very impressed with Doug’s form in the recent ODI series in India and feel he deserves this opportunity in the Australian squad.”

Pace bowler Peter Siddle retains his place in the squad despite returning home early during the one-day series in India earlier this month because of a side strain.

Michael Clarke, recently recovered from a back injury, is also named in the 12-strong party after proving his fitness with a century in a domestic Sheffield Shield match for NSW this week.

Shane Watson, who replaced Phil Hughes at the top of the order during the Ashes, will again open alongside Simon Katich once again.

Hilditch added: “Losing the Ashes was obviously extremely disappointing but the nucleus of the side performed very well individually.

“We're confident this young side will continue to develop as we move into this exciting Test series at home but also continue to prepare for an Ashes series, which is now only 12 months away.”

The first Test of the three-match series gets under way in Brisbane next Thursday.

Australia squad: Ponting (captain), Clarke, Watson, Katich, Hussey, North, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Hauritz, Hilfenhaus, Bollinger.