Australia retains Boxing Day's playing XI for Sydney Test - Cricket News Update
Australia, on Sunday, announced its unchanged playing XI for the second Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
Speculations were that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Harris-c2330 to replace spin bowler Nathan Lyon, who struggled for penetration in the opening Test at Melbourne last week. But Clarke
decided otherwise, keeping faith in Lyon’s off-spin.
Speaking to media reporters after announcing the New Year’s Test squad, the Australian skipper praised Ryan Harris and said that it was a tough decision to let go of the right-arm fast bowler.
"A tough call on Ryano, as I've said before he's been a wonderful bowler for us and I love having him in and around the group. It's tough to leave him out but we've stuck with the winning team in Melbourne," said http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120.
Clarke expressed contentment over the way the team had performed in the Boxing Day Test clinching a convincing 122-run win over former world number one Test side. Adding that it was tough to change a winning team, the home
skipper said that the fast bowlers in the side have had enough break and are all set to take the formidable Indian batting line up in Sydney.
"The way we performed in Melbourne it is tough to change that team, we've had a long enough break as well, that was probably the other consideration, finishing the game a day early and the bowlers not bowling too many overs
in the second innings has helped, and it is tough to change a winning team."
The hosts have been training at SCG over the last two days and Clarke expressed delight over their preparations for the big day. He urged the players to show the same commitment, determination and execution they had shown
in Melbourne, if they want to double their Test series lead.
Clarke also praised Ricky Ponting, who had been under fire for most of the 2011 season, and hoped if Punter continued scoring the way he has been over the past couple of months, he would soon get a big one. Clarke also takes
heart from Ponting’s encouraging record at SCG.
“…he's got a very good record at the SCG, I know he loves playing here at this wicket so it wouldn't surprise me at all if he walked out and made a hundred in this Test match," said the Aussie skipper.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Michael-Lyon-c78822. 12th man: Ryan
Harris.
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