Clarke in doubt; Haddin, Doherty in for India series
- September 19, 2013, 7:27 pm
- Sports News
- 112 Views
MELBOURNE Sept 19 (Online): Cricket Australia named a 14-man squad for the 7-match ODI series against India, starting on October 10, 2013. Wicket-keeper Matthew Wade and Pakistan-born spinner Fawad Ahmed were omitted from the squad while Brad Haddin and left-arm-orthodox spinner Xavier Doherty were included. Pace bowling all-rounder Moises Henriques was also part of the touring Australian team while quick bowler Josh Hazlewood was left out.
Wade was left out because of his poor showing in the ODI series against England in which he scored just 36 runs at an average of 12. Leg-spinner Ahmed, who got to play two matches against England, had expensive returns, giving away 106 runs in the 14 overs that he bowled in total while he picked up only two wickets.
National selector John Inverarity confirmed that Wade was left out because of his batting failures while he mentioned that Doherty was picked for the India tour as the National Selection Panel (NSP) felt he was a better choice for the ODIs in India.
"Matthew Wade has been omitted due to lack of form and has been replaced by Brad Haddin, who captured an Ashes series record of dismissals in July and August. Matthew is 25 years of age and has a great deal of natural ability both as a batsman and as a keeper. The NSP is confident that Matthew will regain form and press hard for selection in the not too distant future," Inverarity said.
"Xavier Doherty has been included in the squad, in place of Fawad Ahmed, as the NSP feels that he is well suited to ODIs in India. Fawad bowled well with his limited opportunities in the rain affected series and better than his figures would suggest. The NSP looks forward to Fawad getting plenty of bowling in the busy domestic schedule that begins at the end of this month," he added.
Michael Clarke, whose back problem flared up again before the final ODI against England in Southampton, has been named captain of the team. Inverarity, who mentioned that the skipper, who has returned to Australia will be assessed and he expressed hope that the right-hander will recover in time for the India tour.
"After a long tour Michael Clarke's back condition has flared up again and he has been selected subject to fitness. He has returned to Australia for further assessment and the NSP hopes that it will improve in time for the Indian tour."
Inverarity said the reason for Hazlewood's exclusion is because Australia will not be needing an extra pace bowler in India, which is why the squad has been reduced to 14 members.
"There will be a reduced need for pace bowling on this tour so the NSP has reduced the squad from 15 to 14 players and Josh Hazlewood has been omitted. Moises Henriques has been included as a pace bowling all-rounder and will provide the required flexibility in the squad. Josh is progressing well and with the injuries to James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc we anticipate that he will come into contention for Ashes selection with impressive domestic performances," Inverarity said.
Meanwhile, head coach Darren Lehmann will not be travelling to sub-continent with the Australian team as he has been given rest after a long tour of England. Steve Rixon will be the acting head-coach.
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Team Performance, Pat Howard said: "As with the successful tour of the UAE last year we will have Steve Rixon acting as Head Coach in India. Darren has been on the road and away from home for a considerable amount of time. This is a great opportunity for Darren to refresh, work with the States and provide others with opportunities."
Before the ODI series gets under way, Australia will play one T20I against India. The squad for the same is yet to be announced and Cricket Australia, in its official site has stated: "Australia will play one T20 match prior to the seven ODIs and the NSP reserves the right to select from Australian players already in India for the Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20 to play in this T20 match."
Squad: Michael Clarke (Captain), George Bailey (Vice-Captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.
