Melbourne, Oct 17 (IANS): Teenage fast bowler Patrick Cummins was selected in the 15-member Australian squad for next month's Test tour of South Africa.

The 18-year-old could become the second youngest Australian Test cricketer if he debuts in the first Test in Cape Town starting Nov 9. The second Tests will be held in Johannesburg from Nov 17.

National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said the squad for South Africa is very similar to the one that played "so well on the recent successful tour of Sri Lanka".

"The squad has a very good balance of experience and exciting young talent. While playing South Africa on their home soil is one of the hardest assignments in world cricket, it will be a very exciting challenge for this new-look Test side after it played excellent cricket to win the Sri Lankan series last month.

"The only change to the squad is that Patrick Cummins replaces James Pattinson. James is very unlucky to miss selection. He is a very good young fast bowler who has done well in his limited opportunities at international level to date.

"Patrick is a very exciting prospect and at just 18 years of age is already showing the ability to have a significant impact at international level," said Hilditch.

The squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice captain), Michael Beer, Trent Copel, Patrick Cummins, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.

1st ODI: October 19, Centurion
2nd ODI: OCtober 23, Port Elizabeth
3rd ODI: October 28, Durban
Tour match: November 1-4, Potchefstroom (v South Africa A)
1st Test: November 9-13, Cape Town
2nd Test: November 17-21, Johannesburg