Australia v India: Joe Burns added to squad for Melbourne Test

Joe Burns is a surprise addition to Australia’s squad for the Third Test against India on Boxing Day.

The 25-year-old right-handed batsman will replace the injured Mitchell Marsh, with in-form Australia already holding a 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the game in Melbourne.

Queensland's Burns, who is yet to play Test cricket, made a career-best first-class score of 183 against New South Wales last month, and could feature in the match live on Sky Sports 2HD.

Burns said: "I'm over the moon at the news. It's the best Christmas present I could ever hope for and it took a fair while to sink in."

Team coach Darren Lehmann said Burns offered flexibility with his ability to bat anywhere in the top six.

He's a very good player against fast bowling.

Lehmann said: "He's a very good player against fast bowling and he's had a good couple of summers at the Gabba with Queensland.

"There have been some good contenders for that spot and it's always a tough call on other players.

"He's a very aggressive player, which is the way we like to play our cricket. We went with Joe, he's a younger player and we feel he has something about him."

Lehmann said selectors went with an extra batsman to replace Marsh because Shane Watson bowled well in India's second innings and therefore could adequately fill Marsh's role as an all-rounder.

Marsh, who injured his right hamstring while bowling on the opening day in Brisbane, will stay with the national squad and be assessed ahead of a possible return for the fourth Test in Sydney, starting on January 6.

Lehmann also said opener David Warner has a bruised left thumb after being struck by India’s Umesh Yadav on the final day of the Gabba Test.

He went on: "Last night it was just bruised so hopefully he pulls up alright and we'll get to Melbourne and sum it up as we go.

"The initial signs are good and I'm pretty confident he's going to be fine."

Australia’s 13-man squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Watch the third Test between Australia and India, from 11.30pm, Christmas Day, Sky Sports 2.