Australia has decided to take just four genuine bowlers into the Boxing Day Test against India with Shaun Marsh called up to the side ahead of all-rounder Dan Christian.
Marsh will add some much-needed form to the batting line-up at first drop, despite not playing since the first Test in Cape Town against South Africa, while Ben Hilfenhaus replaces Mitchell Starc.
Ed Cowan, fresh off a century for the Chairman's XI against India in Canberra, will make his Test debut at the top of the order alongside David Warner.
The 28-year-old Hilfenhaus has not featured in the Test side since Australia's Ashes defeat last January.
But the Tasmanian has been selected to fill the hole left by injuries to Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Pat Cummins on the back of his 20-wicket return at an average of 28.6 in the Sheffield Shield this season.
Hilfenhaus, who has played 17 Tests, returns with a remodelled bowling action, having recovered from knee tendinitis.
"He's a very good new-ball bowler. He can bowl long spells and he's had success against India," captain Michael Clarke said on Saturday.
The inconsistent Starc has been dropped after returning figures of 2 for 90, 0 for 33, 2 for 30 and 0 for 47 in the two-Test series against New Zealand.
"Mitch is obviously disappointed, he would have liked the chance, but he understands the reasons," added Clarke.
"He's just got to keep working hard on his game and continue to improve."
Christian, who plays for South Australia, was called up to the squad presumably as a replacement for injured all-rounder Shane Watson.
But the Australian selectors have opted to use a pace attack of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Hilfenhaus together with off spinner Nathan Lyon to counter the experienced Indian batting line-up.
"I'm confident we've got the best 11 to help us win this first Test match," Clarke said.
"I can use Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting and myself to bowl a few overs. David Warner can bowl a few legspinners."
Australia:
Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner, Mitchell Starc (12th man).
Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia First posted December 24, 2011 13:04:11
No comments:
Post a Comment