Ferguson eyes 'dream' Test debut

Callum Ferguson has been included in the squad for the second Test in Hobart, with Shaun Marsh (finger) out and Adam Voges (hamstring) under an injury cloud.

Batsman Callum Ferguson in action for South Australia.

Australia batsman Callum Ferguson is hopeful of realising a "boyhood dream" and making his Test debut against South Africa.

Ferguson has been included in the squad for the second Test in Hobart, with Shaun Marsh (finger) out and Adam Voges (hamstring) under an injury cloud. The 31-year-old, who has played internationally in the shorter formats, said he would love a Test chance.

"It'd mean everything for me to get an opportunity," Ferguson told a news conference on Thursday. "It's the boyhood dream as a cricketer in Australia to wear the baggy green so it's obviously something that I'd be enormously proud of if I manage to get the opportunity, but time will tell."

Ferguson has played 101 first-class matches and averages 40.23 with 15 centuries.

He is enjoying being part of the Test squad, saying: "It's really exciting. I've loved every minute so far of the trip down here to Hobart. The spirit amongst the team is great, so it's a great dressing room to be a part of so far and really looking forward to when we get to game day, whether I'm playing or not."

Australia suffered a 177-run loss to South Africa in the opening Test of the series in Perth.