Australia recalls big names for One Day series against Sri Lanka
After a disastrous tour of India, Australia calls back Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, and Mitchell Johnson. They are selected for a three match One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka. The three top players were rested for the limited-overs series
in India this September - October.
The return of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 and Johnson means that Callum Ferguson and David Warner would be relegated to carrying drinks. Ferguson was included in the third ODI against India but luck was not on his side as the match was abandoned due to rain.
A shocking inclusion in the squad comes in the form of left – arm spinner Xavier Doherty from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746. The opportunity couldn’t have come at the right time as he has
a string of spectacular performances in the last couple of seasons.
He has also proved that his lower order batting always comes in handy. Doherty would be making his mark in the first ODI against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 at Melbourne on 3rd November 2010. He has a chance to show the selectors if he can make a place for himself
in the World Cup squad.
Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of Australian selectors said about Doherty had made it to the Australia A team this year and he “again started the season impressively”.
He also conceded that the left- arm finger spinner could be “important during the World Cup campaign” and that they are “confident that he would perform very well” regarding the fact that a perfect opportunity should not be wasted.
The fifteen man squad also includes the leg spinner Steven Smith, who is the most promising Australian spinner since Shane Warne. Another fact that works for his advantage is that he is an outstanding batsman.
The addition of young players put extra pressure on the leading slow bowler Nathan Hauritz, who is termed as the most improved player over the years. The 29 year old was criticized for his disappointing return in the recently concluded series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750.
Hauritz was ineffective with his bowling attack against the Indians in Test matches, which saw him averaging with 65 for his six wickets. However, he will be missing the opening ODI match against Sri Lanka as he will be playing against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Queensland-c834 in the
Sheffield Shield match.
Mitchell Johnson will have ample support in the form of Peter Siddle, who makes his return nine months after being out for a back injury. Mitchell Starc, who impressed with his bowling attack in the 2nd ODI against India is also part of the squad.
Brett Lee, who recently declared himself as “fit” for his international return following an elbow surgery, was not included in the squad. Hilditch said that he is not yet ready for a “limited preparation”.
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