Pakistan-born Fawad Ahmed will be hoping to make his Test debut for Australia in the coming months after being named in the 17-man squad for the upcoming Ashes and West Indies tours.

Ahmed, who sought asylum in Australia after moving to the country in 2010, was named alongside other form Sheffield Shield players Adam Voges and Peter Nevill.

Australian squad Michael Clarke (c)



Michael Clarke (c) David Warner



David Warner Chris Rogers



Chris Rogers Steven Smith (vc)



Steven Smith (vc) Shane Watson



Shane Watson Adam Voges



Adam Voges Mitchell Marsh



Mitchell Marsh Brad Haddin



Brad Haddin Mitchell Johnson



Mitchell Johnson Ryan Harris (Ashes only)



Ryan Harris (Ashes only) Mitchell Starc



Mitchell Starc Josh Hazlewood



Josh Hazlewood Nathan Lyon



Nathan Lyon Fawad Ahmed



Fawad Ahmed Peter Siddle



Peter Siddle Peter Nevill



Peter Nevill Shaun Marsh

Ahmed was the competition's leading wicket-taker last season, taking 48 scalps for Victoria at an average of 24.85. He produced a star turn in the final, claiming figures of 8 for 89 against Western Australia.

The 33-year-old was granted Australian citizenship in 2013 and has since played three ODIs for Australia.

"It's been an amazing 2015 for me," said Ahmed in Melbourne.

"I've bowled with a big heart and a big chest in every situation."

Voges, meanwhile, was named Shield player of the year, having plundered 1358 runs at 104.46.

Nathan Lyon is expected to be the side's first-choice spinner, with Ahmed selected as his understudy.

New South Wales gloveman Nevill was named ahead of Matthew Wade as the back-up wicket keeper for Brad Haddin after averaging 76.4 with the bat in the last Shield season.

National Selector Rod Marsh said the squad has sufficient depth to cope with the demands of a gruelling touring schedule.

He said the form of Voges and Ahmed at domestic level could not be ignored.

"They thoroughly deserve their call-up and the opportunity to be a part of this squad," Marsh said in a statement.

"We believe that both can play important roles in the side if required.

"Adam had one of the great seasons in Sheffield Shield history. He is an experienced player and quality character who will add talent and leadership to the touring party.

"Fawad has worked incredibly hard on his game and has demonstrated throughout the season that he can be a consistent wicket taker.

Marsh said back-up wicket keeper Nevill has been on the selectors' radar for some time.

"He deserves his opportunity through weight of runs and performances behind the stumps," Marsh said.

"He has also demonstrated impressive leadership qualities which have caught our eye."

James Pattinson was ruled out of the West Indies tour after injuring his left hamstring in the Sheffield Shield final, with the paceman to be assessed by team medical staff to determine his availability for the remainder of the Australian winter.

Ryan Harris will skip the West Indies tour in order to be home for the birth of his first child, before joining the squad in England.

The squad departs for the West Indies on May 19, with the first Test starting on June 5 and the second Test to begin on June 13.

Australia will then fly to England to begin Ashes preparations with a tour match against Kent on June 28.

The first Ashes Test commences on July 12.

CA contracts announced

CA also announced its 19-strong list of contracted players for the 2015-16 season, with Peter Siddle unlucky to miss out after being named in the touring squad.

The Australia A squad to tour India in July was also named. It includes several names who may have considered themselves a chance of making the Ashes squad such as Wade, Ashton Agar, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns.

Contracted players: George Bailey, Michael Clarke, Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.