Australian selectors name team for Second Test
Test Series :: Australia vs South Africa
Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced a 12-player squad for the Second Test
match beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day.
New South Wales paceman Stuart Clark has been omitted whilst Justin Langer will miss the Test match after
straining his hamstring during the First Test match at the WACA Ground.
Stuart MacGill returns to the team after a successful Test series against the West Indies.
| Australian Second Test squad |
| Player | State | Age | Tests |
| Ricky Ponting (captain) | TAS | 31 | 98 |
| Adam Gilchrist (vc) | WA | 34 | 78 |
| Nathan Bracken | NSW | 28 | 5 |
| Matthew Hayden | QLD | 34 | 77 |
| Brad Hodge | VIC | 30 | 3 |
| Mike Hussey | WA | 30 | 4 |
| Phil Jaques | NSW | 26 | 0 |
| Brett Lee | NSW | 29 | 47 |
| Stuart MacGill | NSW | 34 | 36 |
| Glenn McGrath | NSW | 35 | 117 |
| Andrew Symonds | QLD | 30 | 5 |
| Shane Warne | VIC | 36 | 133 |
New South Wales opening batsmen Phil Jaques has been selected in his first Australian squad after numerous
strong performances this season (more statistics at end of release).
NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "Phil Jaques virtually demanded selection. His form has been outstanding
for New South Wales over the past few seasons and he thoroughly deserves the opportunity.
"We have taken the option of selecting a specialist opener in Jaques enabling us to stabilise the middle
order where Michael Hussey has been doing a great job.
"Stuart MacGill's inclusion allows the option of us playing two spinners if the conditions in Melbourne
suit," said Hohns.
The Test team will assemble in Melbourne on Thursday 22 December.
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