Casson shocked by Test call

Beau Casson © Getty Images

Left-arm spinner Beau Casson was stunned by his inclusion in Australia's 15-man squad for the three-Test series against West Indies in May.

After an impressive domestic season with New South Wales, Casson was named alongside the experienced Stuart MacGill as one of two specialist spinners in the touring party.

Casson, who started his cricketing career in Western Australia, took 29 wickets at an average of 35, while contributing 485 runs at a healthy 60.62 in helping his state side to victory in the domestic Pura Cup competition.

And while Casson admitted his form during the season had been good, the 25-year-old claimed he did not expect a call-up to the national side.

"It’s a little bit hazy, I'm still on cloud nine and not sure if it's actually real," Casson said.

"It was quite a bizarre circumstance, I got the phone call and came out to tell my girlfriend and she was more excited than I was.

"I was just a little bit spun-out and amazed that something you've always wanted to do - it's real.

Simon Katich averaged almost 95 in the Pura Cup this season

"I'm very dazed at the moment but extremely excited and have to keep making sure by pinching myself."

Casson's New South Wales team-mate Simon Katich was also included in the squad after a sensational domestic season in Australia.

Katich, who has already played 23 Test matches and 45 one-day internationals for Australia, posted 1506 runs at an average of 94.12 during the Pura Cup season and was rewarded for his strong form with a place in the national squad.

And Katich was also in shock after receiving the good news.

"I was not expecting it at all," he said.

"It was great to get the news late last night and I was just thrilled to be back in the touring party - obviously it's been a while and I'm just thrilled to be back in."

When asked about his preferred position in the batting line-up though, Katich was not getting ahead of himself.

"Obviously the team's done fantastically well in Test cricket in the last 12 months so I see this as an opportunity just to be in the squad and contribute however I can, whether that's in a tour match or whatever," he added.