Haddin and Siddle get http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 Twenty20 call-up
Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle have been included in Australia’s squad for a one-off Twenty20 International against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 on October 31st.
With the Ashes due to begin less than a month after that match, the return of the duo from injury for this for the Twenty20 provides them with a chance to impress upon selectors that their time on the sidelines has not impacted on their form.
Certainly, first-choice wicketkeeper Haddin has had the gauntlet thrown down to him by back-up gloveman Tim Paine during both Australia’s Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750.
In four Tests, Paine has proved capable behind the stumps and has proved his mettle in the middle-order with two half-centuries in the Tests against India, including a high score of 92 (in the first Test in Mohali).
"It is unfortunate for Tim Paine, having played so well for Australia recently, to miss out on this squad but Brad has made a very good recovery from his elbow injury and is an established member of our side in all forms of the game,” chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a Cricket Australia statement.
While Haddin will likely get the nod for the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, which begins on November 25th, Australia have a ready-made replacement should the 33-year-old prove scratchy on his return.
But while the Aussies don’t appear to have any wicketkeeping worries, retaining a fit and firing bowling attack has been an ongoing issue, and they’ll no doubt be looking for Siddle to turn in a solid performance against Sri Lanka with a view to the Ashes, where surely in an ideal world the Victorian would fit into the squad along with fellow quicks Ben Hlifenhaus, Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger.
Missing from the Twenty20 squad to face Sri Lanka are Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson, who have been rested for the match but will be available to play for their state sides in the domestic competition.
Australia’s Twenty20 squad is: Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326.
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