Australia Call up Hartley as Back-up Wicket-keeper

Sydney: Australia have called up a third wicketkeeper to their Ashes squad in England to provide extra cover ahead of next week's fifth and deciding Test.

Queensland wicketkeeper Chris Hartley, who has spent the past season playing in England's Northern League, was rushed into the squad to play in this weekend's two-day match against the English Lions at Canterbury.

Hartley's call up was made in order to give first-choice keeper Brad Haddin and his back-up Graham Manou more time to recover from injuries ahead of the last Test at The Oval, which starts on Aug. 20.

"Brad Haddin is recovering from a fractured finger sustained prior to the third Test in Edgbaston," Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

"Graham Manou sustained a right-hand injury during the third Test in Edgbaston.

"He was making good progress and unfortunately re-aggravated the injury two days ago. As such he will not play against the Lions to maximise his recovery."

The Ashes series is level at 1-1.

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