Australia’s Brad Haddin to miss India Test series
Australia have named their squad for the forthcoming Test series against India, with Tim Paine retaining wicketkeeping responsibilities as Brad Haddin continues his recovery from an elbow injury.
The series on the subcontinent will be Australia’s last chance to hone their five-day game before England arrive Down Under for the 2010/11 Ashes, and may also be the chance for Phillip Hughes to push for Ashes selection, with the opener included in the 15-man squad.
Hughes has recently finished his rehabilitation from surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder during May, and has signed on to play county cricket for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789 for the last month of the English domestic season.
The 22-year-old was dumped from Australia’s Test team during the 2009 Ashes, with Shane Watson initially installed as a makeshift opener in his stead, but the all-rounder has since made the position his own as he has formed a strong opening partnership with Simon Katich.
Presumably, Hughes will be relying on an injury to either of that pair to get his chance to don the baggy green for Australia once again.
Australia selectors have also included both first-choice Test bowler Nathan Hauritz and promising young leg-spinner Steven Smith in the squad. Smith made his Test debut against Pakistan in England this July, replacing an injured Hauritz, taking three wickets in Australia’s victory at Lord’s and scoring a determined 77 as his side suffered a shock lost to the “home” side at Headlingley.
Paine also made his debut alongside Smith at Lord’s and along with some strong glovework, proved himself as a resilient batsman with his 47 in the second innings at Lord’s helping Australia set http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 an insurmountable 440-run target.
Speaking on Haddin’s protracted recovery, Australian physiotherapist http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123 said: “Brad Haddin is making good progress with rehabilitation of his elbow tendon injury.
“He is due to commence restricted batting in the next few weeks but will not be available to play in the Test component of Australia’s VB Tour of India.
“He is on track to be available for club cricket and for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 One-day International series."
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326.
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