Hughes in Australia A team to play S Africa

Australia will not be fielding any of their Test players in South Africa's opening tour match against Australia A next month, the chief of selectors John Inverarity said on Friday. In announcing the A team to face the Proteas in Sydney from November 2 to 4, Inverarity said the Australian squad for the opening Brisbane Test will be announced on Monday. Former Test opening batsman Phillip Hughes was named in the Australia A team, to be captained by Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald. "Phillip Hughes, Rob Quiney, Liam Davis and Alex Doolan are four top-order batsmen who have played well recently and will have an opportunity to impress against the formidable South African pace attack," Inverarity said. "Quiney has been very close to receiving recognition for some time and his sound technique and equable temperament should serve him well as an opener. "Hughes has been in pleasing form and showing the benefits of his four-month uninterrupted spell with Worcestershire and settling in well with his new South Australia team." Inverarity said following Jon Holland's shoulder reconstruction surgery Glenn Maxwell will be given the role as the Australia A team's spinner. "John Hastings has made a splendid return from injury, as has (wicketkeeper) Tim Paine, and John will share the new ball with Nathan Coulter-Nile, who impressed with Australia A in England a few months ago," he said. Twelfth-man duties will be allotted to a NSW squad member not included in the Australia A team. Australia A - Andrew McDonald (capt), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Davis, Alex Doolan, John Hastings, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Rob Quiney, Steve Smith.