Burns surprise inclusion in Australia Test squad

BRISBANE, Dec 21 (AFP): Batsman Joe Burns was a surprise addition Sunday to Australia's 13-man squad for the third Test against India, starting in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

The 25-year-old Queensland right-hander was named as a replacement for injured Mitchell Marsh in the Australian team that defeated India by four wickets in Brisbane Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead.

Burns has yet to play Test cricket, but reached his highest first-class score of 183 against New South Wales last month to put himself in the frame for selection.

"It took a fair while to sink in," Burns said after he was called by chief selector Rod Marsh with the news Sunday.