Australian allrounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa at the Gabba, with Victorian opener Rob Quiney called into the team as his replacement.

Watson succumbed to a calf strain suffered during NSW’s Shield loss to Queensland last week and was officially scratched on Monday afternoon following further scans.

Quiney made an impressive 85 and unbeaten 11 for Australia A against South Africa at the SCG in a three-day tour match that ended in a draw on Sunday.

The 30-year-old’s efforts against Proteas pacemen Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander earned him a call-up to the squad as injury cover for Watson on Sunday night.

Quiney got the nod ahead of his Australia A teammates Phil Hughes and Alex Doolan, who made an impressive 161 not out, as well as Usman Khawaja and allrounders Andrew McDonald and Glenn Maxwell.

The 30-year-old has made 3092 first-class runs at an average of 37.7 and was last season named State Player of the Year.