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SA-born batsman set for Aussie Test debut

Melbourne - South African-born batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been included in a 15-man Australian Test squad for their upcoming two-match series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The 24-year-old was born in Klerksdorp in 1994, but he family emigrated to Australia 10 years later in 2004. 

Labuschangne, who plays his cricket out of Queensland, has represented Australia 'A' in the past but now has an opportunity to be part of a new-look Test side. 

There are five debutants in coach Justin Langer's squad, with him unable to select from among the suspended trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft and injured fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head and Aaron Finch are the other potential debutants.

A middle-order batsman who also bowls a bit of leg spin, Labuschagne has a modest first-class batting average of 35.19.

The first Test begins October 7 in Dubai, with the second scheduled for Abu Dhabi from October 16.

The teams will later play three Twenty20 matches.

Australia squad:

Tim Paine (captain), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

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