|
White and Hauritz called for Australia's tour of
India |
Sept. 9 (Bloomberg):
Cameron White and Nathan Hauritz were named in
Australia's cricket squad for a Test series in
India as selectors omitted Stuart MacGill as
backup for leading spin bowler Shane Warne.
White, 21, and 22-year-old Hauritz were among
four uncapped players selected for matches in
October and November. Michael Clarke and Shane
Watson, both 23, were also included. Top-ranked
Australia is seeking a first series victory in
India since 1969.
MacGill, the second-highest wicket-taker in
Tests in 2003, was the team's main spinner
during Warne's 12-month absence because of a
drug ban. He was relegated to second-choice on
Warne's return in February and replaced by White
when he opted not to tour Zimbabwe on moral
grounds in April.
"We've selected three very different types of
spinners,'' Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns
said in a statement."Cameron's ability with the
bat worked strongly in his favor, and as such,
he was the preferred second-choice leg-spinner
ahead of MacGill.'' India was the last team to
beat the Australians with a 2-1 victory in 2001
and drew 1-1 in Australia in a series that ended
in January. The 33-year-old MacGill was
Australia's leading bowler during that contest.
Queensland off-spinner Hauritz, who has never
taken five wickets in an innings, was included
even though he isn't one of 25 players
contracted to the national team. In 24 state
matches, Hauritz has taken 47 wickets at 43.61
apiece. "In Nathan's case, we thought it
sensible to include a finger spinner given the
conditions and our history of including a finger
spinner on our last two Indian tours.''
Brett Lee, Australia's quickest bowler, was
recalled to the squad after recovering from
ankle surgery that forced him to miss series
wins over Sri Lanka this year. He replaces Shaun
Tait. "With Brett back in the squad our
fast-bowling attack now has a little bit of
everything,'' Hohns added. "He gives us that raw
aggression and pace to complement the more
defensive styles of Michael Kasprowicz, Jason
Gillespie and Glenn McGrath.''
SQUAD: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam
Gilchrist (vice-captain), Justin Langer, Matthew
Hayden, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Simon
Katich, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Cameron
White, Shane Warne, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee,
Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn
McGrath.
Top of the Page
|
