Ashes 2010/2011 update: Australia’s squad finally announced
The much criticized 17 man squad was trimmed down to a 13 player team for the first Test match scheduled to start on 25th November at Brisbane. The surprise inclusion in the squad was spinners Xavier Doherty and Steve Smith. This inclusion means
that off-spinner Nathan Hauritz has been dropped.
There was much speculation about England’s spinner Graeme Swann going against Australia’s Nathan Hauritz on the field but his axing from the squad means that many fans and opponents would be left disappointed.
He is being replaced by debutant Doherty, who showed immense potential during the One Day match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854 against Hauritz, who was playing
for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-South-Wales-c823, but failed to impress the selection panel as he was given only six balls, whereas, Hauritz collected two wickets during the game.
Hauritz has always been the selector’s first choice for the Kangaroos but he was left out in favour of the debutant Doherty. He admitted to be “on top of the world” as he got a call for the Ashes Test squad.
Michael Hussey also got a call after his smashed a century for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Western-Australia-c865 on Friday while another under pressure batsman Marcus North was also included in the 13 man team.
The 17 man squad was trimmed down to 13 as Callum Ferguson and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 did not impress the selectors as they failed to work their form on the field.
Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors said that Hauritz can consider himself as “unlucky” because of his record in the past 12 months. Instead, the left arm orthodox player provided a “great mix” against a predominantly “right-handed” England’s middle
order.
Doherty has also impressed Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting, who has his captaincy career at stake as it depends upon the outcome of the Ashes Test series.
Doug Bollinger has been called back as he is said to have recovered from an abdominal injury which he suffered during India’s tour last month. He had a good innings with his form during the Sheffield Shield matches.
Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have also booked a place in the squad but Ryan Harris was also left out as he was still struggling with his knee injury.
Hilditch summed up the 13 man squad as an “experienced” side of Test players with some “exciting young talent”.
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