George Bailey to lead against Sri Lanka :
Aussies name strong squad for first two games
ELMO Rodrigopulle reporting from Australia
With the curtain coming down on the Three Test series between Sri
Lanka and Australia, the Australian Selectors named their squad for the
first two Commonwealth Bank series against Sri Lanka on January 11 at
the MCG and January 13 at the Adelaide Oval. In the absence of Michael
Clarke, George Bailey will lead the team.
Ben Cutting is only new inclusion in the side. He is has been a
prolific wicket-taker over the three formats and has shown that he can
be a devastating lower-order batsman.
Missing from the Australian squad that played last are – Michael
Clarke, Michael Hussey, Davd Warner, Matthew Wade, Dan Christian and
James Pattinson. Clarke has been troubled by a hamstring injury and has
been given a break.
Also rested are Mathew Wade and David Warner. The idea is to allow
them to refresh before returning to the squad. Pattinson and ShaneWatson
were not con sidered for the two games as they are yet to return to full
fitness.
Also returning to the team is former Australian wicket keeper batsman
Brad Haddin. The squad has a number of young players. Aaron Finch has
scored 716 runs sat an average of 79.6.
The selectors are looking ahead at the 2015 ICC World Cup and are
mindful of the forthcoming Test tours to India and England.
Wade and Haddin are considered to be the two best wicket keeper
batsmen.
Former Aussie batsman Dean Jones has been added to the coaching staff
for the first two Commonwealth Bank Series matches as batting coach.
Stuart Law the batting coach has said that he would not be pursuing
the full-time batting coach role.
The Australian squad for the first two Commonwealth Bank Series
games: George Bailey (captain), Ben Cutting, Xavier Doherty, Aaron
Finch, Brad Haddin, Philip Hughes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman
Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc.
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sunday. |