Hauritz in for Krezja

Nathan Hauritz has been added to the Australia squad for the Boxing Day Test

Australia have recalled Nathan Hauritz for the second Test against South Africa in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old was named in a 13-man party at the expense of fellow off-spinner Jason Krejza.

Hauritz played in the second Test against New Zealand last month - his first Test appearance since making his debut in 2004 - but made way for Krezja for the opening match against South Africa following the latter’s recovery from injury.

However, Krezja, failed to make an impact in his first Test on home soil this week, when the Proteas chased 414 in the fourth innings to win in Perth.

Paceman Ben Hilfenhaus has also been added to the squad, with Brett Lee and Peter Siddle retaining their places despite struggling at the WACA.

“We were impressed with Nathan Hauritz's bowling in the second Test against New Zealand, where he maintained pressure and took wickets and deserves his recall,” said Andrew Hilditch, chairman of the national selection panel.

“The national selection panel consider that Jason is a potentially fine spin bowler for Australia, but our view is that in Perth we were unable to maintain pressure and to successfully use our fast bowlers we needed to maintain that pressure at the spinners end.

“Jason has been informed of this reasoning and has been encouraged to continue to be a wicket-taking spin bowler but will return to interstate cricket to further those skills.

“Ben is in the middle of a successful Sheffield Shield season for Tasmania and has been added primarily because of his ability to swing the ball. He also adds depth as a new-ball bowling option."

The second Test of the three-match series gets under way at the MCG on Boxing Day.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.