Starc pulled from one-day squad

Updated January 12, 2013 13:55:27

Australia will go into Sunday's second one-day international against Sri Lanka in Adelaide without the services of young paceman Mitchell Starc, who has suffered mild calf soreness.

Cricket Australia announced Starc's withdrawal from the side on Saturday morning, just hours after Australia's crushing 107-run victory over the tourists in which the 22-year-old took 1 for 25.

Team physio Alex Kountouris said he was not too worried about the niggle.

"Whilst we are not majorly concerned about it, we have withdrawn him from the game on Sunday as a precaution," he said in a statement.

"He will be reassessed over the next few days and is a possibility to play next weekend's matches against Sri Lanka if his symptoms resolve."

Australian selectors have called up Kane Richardson as cover for Starc.

"Kane has been called in as cover in the squad due to his impressive form in the limited overs formats this season," chief selector John Inverarity said in a statement.

"This provides another great opportunity for a young player as we look to build towards Cricket World Cup in 2015."

Right-armer Richardson is yet to make his Australian debut but has 16 domestic one-day caps and 20 Twenty20 games under his belt for South Australia and Adelaide Strikers.

Tags: onedayseries, cricket, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted January 12, 2013 13:55:27

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Hussey left out of ODI squad

Updated January 06, 2013 10:25:47

Michael Hussey is set to be denied a farewell appearance on the one-day international stage after being left out of Australia's squad to face Sri Lanka in the upcoming five-match series.

Hussey announced last month that he would retire at the end of the Australian summer and is in the midst of playing his final Test against Sri Lanka at the SCG.

He has been omitted from the squad for the one-day series against Sri Lanka beginning in Melbourne on Friday, with the National Selection Panel (NSP) citing the need to blood players for the 2015 World Cup.

It is also unlikely Hussey will be considered for the series against West Indies that follows the five matches against Sri Lanka.

NSP chairman John Inverarity says there was little room for sentiment when deciding whether Hussey would be afforded a farewell in the one-day arena.

"Our intention before two weeks ago was to give Michael a break during the Sri Lankan series and have him refreshed and ready to come back in the ODIs for the West Indies and then off the India," he said.

"Of course things changed last week we've talked it over with Mike but the overriding fact is what is best for Australian cricket and we move forward and we are very mindful of the 2015 World Cup."

Australia captain Michael Clarke will be rested from the opening two-matches of the series, so as to allow him time to recover from his niggling hamstring injury.

George Bailey has been named captain in place of Clarke, while David Warner and Matthew Wade are among those also left out of the 13-man squad as part of the resting policy.

Injured duo Shane Watson and James Pattinson were also not considered for the matches at the MCG (January 11) and Adelaide Oval (January 13).

Brad Haddin has been named as wicketkeeper in place of Wade, although Inverarity denies there are concerns about Wade's glove work behind the stumps.

Inverarity says Wade is "keeping well" but he did concede there is scope for improvement.

"He's a very talented cricketer, a very talented keeper and batsman," he said.

"He's young and we think he will get better and better and this has been the history of Australian cricket."

Queensland paceman Ben Cutting is set to make his one-day international debut after being included in the squad, while Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja have also been named.

Meanwhile, Dean Jones has been added to the coaching staff for the opening two matches to work as batting coach.

Stuart Law had been holding the position on a temporary basis following the recent resignation of Justin Langer but has decided to return to his role as high performance coach at the Centre of Excellence.

Australia squad:

George Bailey (captain), Ben Cutting, Xavier Doherty, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Phillip Hughes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

Tags: cricket, sport, australia

First posted January 06, 2013 09:16:02

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Australia names Bird in Test squad

Updated December 19, 2012 08:33:18

Australia has included injured skipper Michael Clarke in a 12-man squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day at the MCG.

Pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus has been ruled out with a side strain after breaking down on Sunday during Sri Lanka's first innings in the first Test in Hobart.

Uncapped Tasmania paceman Jackson Bird comes into the squad while former Test number three Usman Khawaja has been placed on standby for Clarke.

Clarke, who retired hurt on 57 after injuring his right hamstring while batting on Monday, fielded at first slip on Tuesday as Australia claimed victory by 137 runs.

"It's not too bad. I'll be having plenty of treatment and I'm confident I'll be right for Boxing Day," Clarke told his post-match news conference on Tuesday night.

Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Ed Cowan, David Warner, Phil Hughes, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Jackson Bird. (Usman Khawaja on standby for Clarke).

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, sri-lanka

First posted December 18, 2012 19:27:38

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Aussies name preliminary World Twenty20 squad

Updated July 18, 2012 18:23:36

Paceman James Pattinson and off spinner Nathan Lyon have been left out of Australia's provisional 30-man squad for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

Off-spinning all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and left-handed batsman Rob Quiney, who have no international experience, were the big winners.

"The ICC World Twenty20 will be a fiercely contested tournament," chief selector John Inverarity said.

"A great deal of flamboyant cricketing talent will be on display and some games will be turned on their heads by 10 minutes of brilliance.

"The squad announced today is full of talent, enterprise and all-round strength.

"Within the 30 players named is depth and cover for all departments within the team."

Maxwell's selection came as no surprise after being picked for the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in early September.

But the choice of Quiney, 29, is more unexpected.

He made the grade after a decent Big Bash League season where he averaged more than 30 with the bat.

The tournament starts on September 18.

Australia, runner-up in 2010 to England in Barbados, faces Ireland and the West Indies in Group B.

A final squad of 15 is due to be named by August 18.

Australia squad: George Bailey, Travis Birt, Dan Christian, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Laughlin, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Dirk Nannes, Stephen O'Keefe, Tim Paine, Rob Quiney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White

AFP

Tags: sport, twenty20, cricket, australia

First posted July 18, 2012 15:02:51

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Smith and Johnson named in one-day squad

Updated May 10, 2012 15:16:09

All-rounder Steve Smith and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson have been recalled to Australia's one-day squad for the tour of the British Isles in June and July.

Smith, 22, last played for Australia in a one-day international against South Africa at Port Elizabeth in October last year.

Smith has played 29 one-day matches for Australia, scoring 343 runs with the bat at an average of 22.86, and taken 22 wickets for 755 runs at an average of 34.31.

He scored 492 runs for NSW in the Sheffield Shield last season, plus 189 runs in five matches in domestic one-dayers. He also led NSW to victory in the Twenty20 Big Bash League.

National selector John Inverarity said Smith had been chosen for his late season form for NSW, saying the 22-year-old had been picked as a back-up all-rounder.

"I see Steve Smith primarily as a batsman but he needs to improve, I'm keen to see him improve his leg spin, he is electrifying in the field," Inverarity said.

"We need bowlers to bat but we need batsman who can bowl a bit - Steve and Mark Waugh gave so much to the side with their bowling."

Another picked to make a return to international cricket is Western Australian paceman Johnson, 30, who last played for Australia against South Africa in the Johannesburg Test last November.

Johnson injured his toe in the South African series, ruling him out of the Australian summer, but his return of only three wickets at a cost of 255 runs in the series had put his spot in doubt.

Inverarity said Johnson was a "fine bowler", who he had recently seen bowl in Perth.

Johnson is in contention for the Australian World Twenty20 squad to be named in August, and selectors believe he needs quality competitive cricket before then.

Inverarity said the one-day squad had been picked with the 2013 Ashes against England in mind.

Australia will only have one wicket-keeper for the British Isles tour in Victorian Matthew Wade, while Tasmanian Tim Paine - who is returning from injury - will put on the gloves for Australia A's tour of England in July and August.

Inverarity said New South Wales keeper Brad Haddin will have "all the time he needs" to return after personal issues forced him to withdraw from Australia's recent Test tour of the West Indies.

Dropped from the one-day squad were Queensland's Peter Forrest, New South Welshmen Mitchell Starc and Peter Nevill and South Australians Dan Christian and Nathan Lyon.

Forrest, Starc and Nevill will go on the Australia A tour.

Blues pair Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja have been left out of both squads. Inverarity said their performances during the summer were unsatisfactory but their form during the English county cricket competition will be monitored.

Smith, Johnson, George Bailey and Patrick Cummins have been named in both squads. Cummins has recovered from a heel injury.

Australia One-day squad:

Michael Clarke (C) (NSW)
Shane Watson (VC) (NSW)
George Bailey (TAS)
Patrick Cummins (NSW)
Xavier Doherty (TAS)
Ben Hilfenhaus (TAS)
Mike Hussey (WA)
David Hussey (VIC)
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Brett Lee (NSW)
Clint McKay (VIC)
James Pattinson (VIC)
Steve Smith (NSW)
Matthew Wade (VIC)
David Warner (NSW)

Australia A squad:
Ed Cowan (C) TAS
Peter Forrest (VC) (QLD)
George Bailey (TAS)
Jackson Bird (TAS)
Joe Burns (QLD)
Tom Cooper (SA)
Patrick Cummins (NSW)
Ben Cutting (QLD)
Liam Davis (WA)
Jon Holland (VIC)
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Michael Klinger (SA)
Nathan Lyons (SA)
Tim Paine (TAS)
James Pattinson (VIC)
Steve Smith (NSW)
Mitchell Starc (NSW)

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted May 10, 2012 14:16:55

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Tigers name Ponting in one-day final squad

Updated February 22, 2012 17:55:10

Ricky Ponting has been named in a 13-man squad for Tasmania's one-day final against South Australia at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The Tigers are yet to decide who will make way for Ponting, who was dropped from Australia's one-day squad on Monday.

"Ricky Ponting's inclusion injects world-class qualities into our team and we know that he is very excited at the prospect of playing in this final for Tasmania," Tigers chairman of selectors Michael Farrell said.

"The Tigers will take good form into the match as well as plenty of big game experience.

"The team has shown a great ability to play well under pressure throughout the season and have prepared well for the final."

His inclusion means Tasmania could field four batsmen who have represented Australia in Ed Cowan, skipper George Bailey, Mark Cosgrove and the former international skipper.

With short-form specialist opener Jon Wells also in the side, Tasmania certainly has the firepower to deny South Australia an end to its 25-year wait for a one-day cup final victory.

In contrast, Saturday's final will be the Tigers' third in the past three seasons. They won the tournament in 2004/05, 2007/08 and 2009/10.

Tasmania (from): George Bailey (captain), Jackson Bird, Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan, James Faulkner, Matt Johnston, Brady Jones, Jason Krejza, Ben Laughlin, Ashton May, Ricky Ponting, Jon Wells (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named)

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, tas

First posted February 22, 2012 17:53:43

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Australia squad unchanged for 4th Test

Updated January 17, 2012 13:07:02

Australia named an unchanged 12-man squad for next week's fourth Test against India in Adelaide, where they could wrap up a series clean sweep.

The hosts ensured they would win the series in Perth on Sunday when they hammered India by an innings and 37 runs to add to equally emphatic victories in Melbourne and Sydney.

Spinner Nathan Lyon, who was 12th man as the Australians went with a four-man pace attack in Perth, is almost certain to start at the Adelaide Oval when the Test gets underway next Tuesday.

"A spin bowler has always been a priority in Test matches at Adelaide Oval and it is very likely that Nathan Lyon will replace one of the other bowlers," chief selector John Inverarity said in a statement.

"The fact the Australians were able to dismiss India in only 60 and 63 overs in Perth and the extra two rest days because the Test finished early has meant that there is reduced concern about excessive workloads for the fast bowlers."

Lyon says the Australian team is keen to win back the number one ranking in world cricket and can continue improving under Michael Clarke's captaincy.

"There's a really good vibe at the moment in the cricket side led under Mickey Arthur and 'Pup' so... we've still got a lot of hard work [ahead] and that's one of our goals, and if we go up to number three after this Test match it'll be a great result but only one little step on the way," he said.

Mitchell Starc, who played his third Test in Perth, has already conceded that he is the most likely of the four bowlers to be dropped to make way for Lyon in the side.

Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle are certainties if fit, while injury-prone Ryan Harris came safely through his return to the Test arena at the WACA.

Number three batsman Shaun Marsh retains his place in the squad despite making just 11 runs in Perth to add to his three runs in three innings over the first two tests.

Squad - Michael Clarke (captain), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

Reuters/ABC

Tags: cricket, sport, australia

First posted January 17, 2012 12:35:46

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Harris added to squad for second Test

Updated December 30, 2011 11:55:02

Australia added paceman Ryan Harris to its 12-man squad for the SCG Test, as selectors weigh up the option of a four-man pace attack.

Harris, who is working his way back from a hip injury, was the only addition to the 11 that defeated India in the first Test at the MCG on Thursday.

He replaced left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who was 12th man in Melbourne, while Dan Christian was also left out.

All-rounder Shane Watson was ruled out from returning for the second Test at the SCG, which starts on Tuesday, as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

It was uncertain when he would be ready to play.

"Shane has not fully recovered from his right calf injury and is therefore not available for the Sydney Test," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"He will continue his rehabilitation and hopefully be available for one of the remaining Test matches."

Harris was regarded as Australia's leading quick before his injury absence.

But the excellent performances of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the first Test victory have cast doubt on whether Harris can dislodge one of the incumbents.

However, Australia captain Michael Clarke on Thursday said selectors would consider the possibility of playing four pacemen at the SCG, in which case off spinner Nathan Lyon would be dumped.

Watson's continued absence ensures the six batsmen from the MCG Test will be retained, although the strong performances of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey in Melbourne had already shored up their spots.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin is also on safe ground, despite his continued poor form.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said the team would take great confidence and momentum into the second Test and he welcomed Harris' return to the squad, after a four-Test absence.

"Ryan has had carefully monitored preparation, which has gone to plan," Inverarity said.

"Mitchell Starc and Daniel Christian, who were both in the squad for the first Test, have been omitted but remain very much in our thinking."

Australia:

Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner (12th man to be named).

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted December 30, 2011 11:21:53

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Cosgrove left out of Hurricanes squad

Updated December 15, 2011 21:02:31

Hobart batsman Mark Cosgrove has been overlooked for the Hurricanes' Big Bash League opener in Perth on Sunday.

Ricky Ponting will opening the batting alongside former Test opener Phil Jaques, with coach Ali de Winter unable to squeeze hard-hitting Cosgrove into his side to play the Scorchers.

"It was always going to be a difficult selection (for the first match) but we think we've come up with a team that's going to get the job done in Perth," de Winter said.

"Unfortunately Cossie's just missed out, but he'll play a big role during the tournament for us."

Cosgrove played three one-day internationals for Australia in 2006 but has struggled with fitness concerns.

Cosgrove's weight had nothing to do with his omission, according to de Winter.

"We know that Cossie isn't the greatest mover around, but he's certainly got some safe hands ... and he's a good cricket brain. That really wasn't a factor.

"He hasn't been in the greatest form as of late, which he'd admit to himself."

Ponting will play the one Twenty20 game before joining the Test batting camp.

Xavier Doherty will captain the side in the absence of injured skipper Tim Paine.

AAP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, hobart-7000, tas, australia

First posted December 15, 2011 21:02:31

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Christian named in Australian squad

Updated December 05, 2011 11:43:29

All-rounder Dan Christian has replaced injured paceman Ben Cutting in the only change to the Australian squad announced for the second Test against New Zealand in Hobart.

South Australian Christian makes the 12 in place of Queensland's Cutting, who sustained a side strain during the Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria in Melbourne.

Cutting was named 12th man for the first Test in Brisbane and was then released to play in the Shield.

Patrick Cummins (heel), Shane Watson (hamstring), Shaun Marsh (back) and Ryan Harris (hip) all remain injured and unavailable for selection, while Mitchell Johnson has undergone toe surgery and is sidelined for up to five months.

Australia is refusing to rush the return of youngster Cummins, meaning it is likely to go in with the same attack which tore apart the Black Caps in a nine-wicket win at the Gabba.

However chairman of selectors John Inverarity said Christian's selection gives Australian Michael Clarke the opportunity to provide better balance to the team, after he was forced to use part-time bowler Mike Hussey at the Gabba in the absence of Watson.

Christian, who has Aboriginal heritage, has played three Twenty20s for Australia and has a first-class batting average of 30 as well as 89 wickets in 33 matches.

"It is disappointing for Ben that he will be sidelined for some weeks with a side strain, but this provides an opportunity for Daniel who has been performing well as an all-rounder for South Australia," Inverarity said.

"The balance of a team is always enhanced by the presence of an energetic all-rounder who is in good form."

Debutant James Pattinson revelled in Cummins' absence at the Gabba, earning man-of-the-match honours with a 5 for 27 which saw the Black Caps routed for 150 in their second dig.

"James Pattinson's performance on debut will provide a great boost not only [to] the team as a whole but to those who are new to the team in particular," Inverarity said.

Marsh has been given extra time to overcome his back strain, meaning under-pressure opener Phil Hughes earns a reprieve.

Hughes endured a poor first Test with scores of 10 and 7 and his tendency to be dismissed behind the wicket will be firmly under the spotlight when the second Test begins on Friday.

Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Cummins, Watson and Marsh are all on track to return for the four-match series against India, which begins with the traditional Boxing Day Test.

Australia: Michael Clarke (c), David Warner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Dan Christian.

Tags: sport, cricket, hobart-7000, tas, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted December 05, 2011 10:14:15

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