Quiney called up as Watson cover

Updated November 04, 2012 21:21:36

Victorian batsman Rob Quiney could make his Test debut on Friday in Brisbane after he was called into the Australian squad as a standby player for injured all-rounder Shane Watson.

Watson was diagnosed with a minor calf strain suffered during his first over with the ball on Saturday in New South Wales' eventual Sheffield Shield loss to Queensland in Brisbane.

Selectors said Watson would have every chance to prove his fitness before Friday, but called Quiney in as back-up.

"A decision on Shane is likely to be made earlier rather than later," chief selector John Inverarity said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

"Rob Quiney has impressed the national selection panel with his performances in all formats in recent years.

"He was particularly impressive in the Australia A game that concluded at the SCG today.

"His 85 from 113 balls against the strong South African attack demonstrated a good range of shots and a sound technique. He is in good shape at the moment and he is ready to grasp his opportunity should he get the nod for Friday.

Quiney said he would be prepared should Watson be unable to play on Friday.

"It's a massive opportunity to join the squad heading into such an important series," he said.

"Hopefully Shane can get up and be right because he's such an important player for the team.

"But I'll obviously be training and preparing to be ready to go if he doesn't get up."

Selectors have not put any other players on standby at this stage.

"We've got a great physio in Alex Kountouris so he (Watson) can't be in any better hands," Test skipper Michael Clarke told reporters on Sunday.

"It's just about now trying to hope we've got enough days in between today and the first Test."

Former Test captain Ricky Ponting appeared likely to play in the Test match despite pulling out of Tasmania's Sheffield Shield weekend game against South Australia with a tight hamstring.

But Clarke said before the Quiney call-up that he was confident whoever took the field against the Proteas could do the job, and was adamant there would be no excuses made.

"You look at our performances last summer, he (Watson) didn't play one Test match and we beat India 4-0," Clarke said.

"We'll find a way. We did last summer and if Watto's not available somebody will come in and grab that opportunity. I'd love him to be fit but if he's not we'll find a way."

ABC/AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted November 04, 2012 19:36:36

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Quiney ready to fill in anywhere

Updated November 05, 2012 12:10:06

Victorian batsman Rob Quiney says he is happy to slot in anywhere in Australia's batting line-up, just so long as he gets a long awaited call-up to the Test side.

Quiney will likely be called up as Australia's number three in place of Shane Watson, who remains a major doubt for Friday's first Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Watson sat out the rest of New South Wales' Sheffield Shield loss to Queensland after succumbing to a calf strain, which looks like handing Quiney his Test debut.

Quiney says while his display for Australia A against the tourists - 85 and 11 not out - showcased his value as a top-order batsman, he is willing to play anywhere needed.

"I've been trying to be a lot more consistent and more reliable for the side (Victoria)," Quiney told Grandstand.

"I know people get a little frustrated when I say it but I'm happy to slot in anywhere for Victoria and if the opportunity comes up for Australia, same thing, I'm happy to slot in anywhere so long as I can get a game."

A decision on Watson's involvement will be made later on Monday after the all-rounder undergoes scans.

Quiney says while his role in the Test side has still not been confirmed, he is still looking forward to getting involved with the national outfit.

"Rod Marsh was at the game in Sydney and after the game had finished, sitting down getting changed, he pulled me aside and said 'you got to fly off to Brisbane tonight and you're on standby'," he said.

"Being the first match of the summer, obviously there's a bit more hype around in the build-up.

"Today's going to be a good day to meet a few other people and then get into training the next few days. Hopefully I'll know a bit more in the next 48 hours as to what my role's going to be.

"I'm pretty unaware at the moment, I find out today with a couple of meetings and sessions with people. It will probably be the most interesting week of my life, I'm looking forward to it."

The crux of the Test series against the Proteas will centre around which side's batsmen can best handle the opposing pace attacks.

After witnessing South African spearhead Dale Steyn's brutal spell of bowling against Australia A at the SCG first hand, Quiney is expecting even more fireworks to come at the Gabba.

"Luckily I only faced four or five balls off him from that spell, he did crank it up and there was a big difference from the first innings," Quiney said.

"It's good to see him fully cranked up and obviously it's going to be a little bit quicker come Friday.

"It was good to have a look at those bowlers, they've still got Kallis and Morkel up their sleeve."

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted November 05, 2012 12:05:25

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