Cricket round-up: Lyon is surprise pick as Australia wield axe after Ashes drubbing

Australia have included four uncapped players in their 15-man squad for the forthcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, batsman Shaun Marsh and pacemen Trent Copeland and James Pattinson have been selected.

Leg-spinner Steve Smith and seamers Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger miss out as Michael Clarke prepares for his first Test as permanent captain. Former captain Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Mike Hussey provide the experience for the three-Test series.

The last Test Australia played was the final Ashes drubbing against England at Sydney in January, and batsman Usman Khawaja and spinner Michael Beer keep their places after making their debuts in that game.

Lyon, 23, has played only four first-class matches but recently impressed for Australia A in Zimbabwe and earned selection ahead of Jason Krejza.

In the County Championship, Worcestershire, who are fighting for their First Division lives, did their survival hopes no harm on day one of their game with Somerset at New Road. Superb innings from Moeen Ali (134 not out) and Vikram Solanki (90) helped the hosts to rack up 367 for 3.