Australia axe Hughes, Khawaja

Batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja were dumped from Australia’s squad named on Wednesday for next week’s opening Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Selectors named a 13-man squad with Shaun Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus included, but there was no place for injured allrounder Shane Watson and fast bowler Ryan Harris.Chief selector John Inverarity said the size of the squad was due to the continuing uncertainty about the fitness of Marsh, has been troubled by a back complaint.“Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja have been omitted from the Australian team that played against New Zealand in Hobart and Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus have been added to the squad,” Inverarity said. “Shane Watson was not considered for selection as he has not recovered sufficiently from his (hamstring/calf) injury, while Ryan Harris has not yet achieved the volume of bowling required to be available for consideration for Test selection.”Cowan was included on the strength of his 109 against India playing for a Chairman’s XI in Canberra on Tuesday.