Hussey set to return for Warriors

Michael Hussey will make his return to first-class cricket when Western Australia take on Victoria in a Pura Cup match at Melbourne starting on Friday. The inclusion of Hussey, who tore a hamstring during the ICC World Twenty20 in September, is one of six changes to the injury-depleted Warriors squad after the comprehensive opening loss to New South Wales.

Brad Hogg will have a rare opportunity to bowl for more than ten overs and press his Test claims, while Adam Gilchrist has also been named in the 12-man group. The pace attack has taken two major blows with Ben Edmondson out with a hamstring injury and Brett Dorey recovering from a ten-centimetre tear in his right quadriceps sustained during the Pura Cup game.

Combined with the loss of David Bandy (abdominal strain) the injuries have meant recalls for Sean Ervine and Darren Wates, along with Mathew Inness, the former Victoria fast bowler who has had no state action since December 2005. Chris Rogers will also miss the match after having his appendix removed, while Luke Ronchi and Aaron Heal have made way for Gilchrist and Hogg.

Hussey's return gives him a fortnight to prepare for the first Test against Sri Lanka. He ended his month-long lay-off on the weekend with a pair of club games for his Perth side Wanneroo. On Saturday he made 50 and followed it up with a first-ball 0 on Sunday, but importantly he got through both outings without any injury concerns.

Squad Justin Langer, Michael Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges (capt), Luke Pomersbach, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Sean Ervine, Darren Wates, Brad Hogg, Trent Kelly, Steve Magoffin, Mathew Inness.