Khawaja dumped, Marsh retained

Colombo, (ANI): Left-handed Australian batsman Usman Khawaja will make way for Ricky Ponting for the third Test against Sri Lanka, which will begin at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club tomorrow.

Ponting will return to the team after missing the second Test to attend the birth of his second child.

It also means that Shaun Marsh, who was Ponting’s replacement, will keep his place in the team, the Herald Sun reports.

Marsh became the 19th Australian to score a Test century on debut during the Test played at Kandy’s Pallekele Stadium.

The 28-year-old scored 141 of 315 balls, which included 18 fours, and also became the first Australian to make a ton on debut since Marcus North made 117 against South Africa in 2009 Meanwhile, fast bowler Ryan Harris has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Peter Siddle will replace him. Harris had been the bowler of the series, with 11 wickets at an average of 15.

Australian team: Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon.