Australia names first Muslim player in squad

Batsman Usman Khawaja became the first Muslim named in an Australian Test squad yesterday as selectors announced a 14-strong party for the two-match series against Pakistan, the country of his birth.

Left-handed Khawaja, 23, admitted feeling "shocked" after being brought in for the July Tests in England, which were moved from Pakistan over security concerns following last year's extremist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.

"I was a bit shocked, I had a feeling I was close but that could mean absolutely nothing," said the Sydney resident, a qualified pilot who made his first-class debut for New South Wales in February 2008.

"The feeling didn't really sink in straight away but I've told my family and they're really excited."

Islamabad-born Khawaja now has the chance to become the first Muslim player to wear Australia's famed Baggy Green cap as a full Test player – just months before the much-anticipated Ashes series against England.

Khawaja, who has never even met national captain Ricky Ponting, said being the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia "doesn't cross my mind until someone brings it up".

"I am around the boys all the time and I never once ever feel like I am different," said the batsman, who came to Sydney as a young child and grew up with posters of Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne on his bedroom walls.

"When I was a kid I dreamed of going on tour but I am not looking too far ahead – if I just carry the drinks the whole time, it doesn't really bother me."

Khawaja said his father Tariq had always encouraged his cricket and was delighted with his call-up.

"I woke him up this morning and told him I was in the squad – he was happy," Khawaja said.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson