NSW left-hander Usman Khawaja and Tasmanian swingman Ben Hilfenhaus have been named in the Australian Test team to face Pakistan in two Tests in England.

Khawaja, 23, born in Islamabad, Pakistan, arrived in Australia aged four and is believed to be the first Muslim to be selected to represent Australia.

Usman Khawaja playing for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in Brisbane last week. Credit:Getty Images

When he was first selected for NSW in 2008, cricket historian Kersi Meher-Homji said at the time he believed Khawaja was the first local Muslim to play at this level, although he was not the first to be born in the sub-continent. Mark Lavender, a West Australian batsman of the 1990s was born in Chennai, India, while Dav Whatmore, born in Sri Lanka, played seven Tests for Australia.

Khawaja's promotion arrives after a spot was opened up by a shoulder injury to Phil Hughes.