Deposed Australian Test batsman Greg Blewett has been given an unexpected opportunity to press his claim to be included in Australia's side for the five-Test series against the West Indies, which starts next month.

Blewett was invited Friday to play in the Australian Cricket Board Chairman's XI to meet the West Indies in their tour opener at Lilac Hill Park, Caversham, near Perth on November 7.

The Australian selectors normally use the one-day festival match as an opportunity to expose a promising young player to international competition. The selection of 28-year-old Blewett illustrates the selection panel, headed by chairman Trevor Hohns, sees Blewett as a player with the potential to re-build his international career.

The South Australian opener has had only one innings in the new season, hitting 36 before being run out in a one-day match against Queensland last weekend.

The full Chairman's XI side was to be announced later.

The West Indies are scheduled to arrive here November 3 to prepare for their tough itinerary, which also includes a series of one-day games against Australia and Zimbabwe.

© 2000 AAP