Explosive opening batsman David Warner is set to earn his first Test cap after he was named in the Australia squad, on Saturday, to face New Zealand in the first Test starting at the Gabba in Brisbane, on Thursday.

Limited overs specialist Warner is likely to step in for all-rounder Shane Watson, who is one of five players unavailable for the team due to injuries sustained in South Africa.

Patrick Cummins, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris were all also ruled out of selection on Friday with their fitness to be assessed next week.

Fast bowler Ben Cutting has been called into the 12-man squad for the first time while fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson have been involved in limited overs squads previously, chairman of selectors John Inverarity said.

Australia squad:

Michael Clarke (captain), Phillip Hughes, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Ben Cutting