Australian Test squad for South Africa
Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) has announced a 14-man Test squad to take part in the
Travelex Tour of South Africa.
Commenting on the squad chosen, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: “We’ve put together a squad to cover what we
believe is going to be a tough Test series in South Africa. We’ve taken into account the fact that three Tests
are virtually back-to-back and we believe we’ve got adequate cover in this squad to manage that tight
schedule.”
On the fast bowling quartet, Hohns said: “The decision on the make-up of the fast bowling quartet was not
an easy one, given that we are without Glenn McGrath for this series. We wanted a blend of pace, youth,
experience and line and length and believe we have all of these covered with our selection.
“Shaun Tait is coming back from a shoulder injury and we’re satisfied with the progress he’s made. He’s
back bowling at full pace so we’re happy that the injury isn’t hampering his bowling. We believe he has a
bright future at Test level.”
| Australian Test Squad |
| Player | State | Age | Tests |
| Ricky Ponting (c) | TAS | 31 | 100 |
| Adam Gilchrist (vc) | WA | 34 | 80 |
| Stuart Clark | NSW | 30 | 0 |
| Michael Clarke | NSW | 24 | 20 |
| Matthew Hayden | QLD | 34 | 79 |
| Michael Hussey | WA | 30 | 6 |
| Michael Kasprowicz | QLD | 34 | 35 |
| Justin Langer | WA | 35 | 97 |
| Brett Lee | NSW | 29 | 49 |
| Stuart MacGill | NSW | 35 | 38 |
| Damien Martyn | WA | 34 | 61 |
| Andrew Symonds | QLD | 30 | 7 |
| Shaun Tait | SA | 23 | 2 |
| Shane Warne | VIC | 36 | 135 |
On batting selection, Hohns commented: “Damien Martyn has had some time out of the team and we feel this
is the right time to slot him back in at number four.
“The reintroduction of Michael Clarke follows some productive time away from the Test team. Michael has
worked very hard on his batting during this time and we’re very comfortable with the progress he’s made. Brad
Hodge can count himself unlucky not to be included.
“It is fair to say that the NSP were looking for Brad to put together some really big scores in Pura Cup
cricket to consolidate his position in the Test squad but unfortunately that hasn’t happened.”
Glenn McGrath made himself unavailable for selection for the Test matches on February 28 after advising
the NSP that he wished to remain in Australia and be with his family while his wife underwent treatment for
cancer.
He said that Jane has responded well to treatment thus far; however, it is still very early in the
process.
McGrath will not be available for any further media comment on this issue and asks that people continue to
respect his family’s privacy on the matter.
The NSP will review the Test squad prior to the Bangladesh Tour.
Phil Jaques is in transit to Australia following the return to fitness of Ricky Ponting.
Full schedule available here.
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