Australian teams for the Super Series announced
Cricket Australia today announced its one-day international (ODI) and Test teams to take on an International
Cricket Council (ICC) World XI in the inaugural Johnnie Walker Super Series next month.
A 14-player ODI squad and a 13-player Test squad were chosen by the National Selection Panel (NSP) to play
three ODI’s at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on 5, 7 and 9 October, and a six-day Super Test at the Sydney
Cricket Ground on 14-19 October.
The teams are as follows:
| Australian One-Day International squad |
| Ricky Ponting, captain | Simon Katich |
| Adam Gilchrist, v-capt | Brett Lee |
| Nathan Bracken | Damien Martyn |
| Michael Clarke | Glenn McGrath |
| Brad Hogg | Andrew Symonds |
| James Hopes | Shaun Tait |
| Michael Hussey | Shane Watson |
Omitted from the one-day side that recently took part in the Natwest Series and the Natwest Challenge in
England are fast bowlers Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and batsman, Matthew Hayden.
Added to the squad are fast bowlers Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken, and Queensland all-rounder James
Hopes.
Trevor Hohns, Chairman of the NSP said: “We are really looking to the Johnnie Walker Super Series as the
start of our preparations for the 2007 World Cup.
“We have re-jigged the one-day side to what we hope will provide a range of options to take on a formidable
World XI side as well as forming the nucleus of the 2007 squad.”
Speaking about the non-selection of Gillespie, Kasprowicz and Hayden, Hohns said.
“It doesn’t mean these players can’t come back to play one-day cricket for Australia, but at the same time
we are moving forward.”
On the inclusion of Hopes, Hohns said: “We are looking to include players who can bat, bowl and field and
Hopes fits that bill perfectly. He gives us another all-round option, and can open the batting if
required.
“He stood out over summer which saw him win the ING Cup Player of the Series Award and we are confident
that he can add a new dimension to the team.”
Shaun Tait has also been selected in his first one-day international squad.
“Both Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken have performed strongly in the ING Cup competition and deserve their
opportunity,” Hohns said.
“Bracken is a steady performer and anytime we have played him in our top side, he has performed. We have
every confidence he can do the job required.”
| Australian Test squad |
| Ricky Ponting, captain | Brett Lee |
| Adam Gilchrist, v-capt | Stuart MacGill |
| Michael Clarke | Glenn McGrath |
| Matthew Hayden | Shaun Tait |
| Brad Hodge | Shane Warne |
| Simon Katich | Shane Watson |
| Justin Langer | |
The Test team sees three players from the Ashes tour left out in Gillespie, Kasprowicz and Damien Martyn.
“We consider it is time to make some adjustments to the batting-line up after some disappointing results in
England.
“We expect that all three players who have not been selected, will go back to state cricket and get back
to the sort of form they where in 12 months ago,” said Hohns.
Shane Watson comes into the team following his Test debut last summer.
“Watson gives the squad added flexibility. We can choose to play two spinners if the pitch looks like it
will offer them something, or we can play four bowlers with Watson providing a fifth option,” said Hohns.
Tickets are still available for the one-day internationals in Melbourne through Ticketmaster and the Super
Test in Sydney through Ticketek.
Related Articles:
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Australia looking forward to ICC World XI challenge (Tues Aug 23)
Cricket’s newest superstar on course for Australia (Wed Aug 10)
World cricket’s brightest stars to collide in Australia (Mon Aug 1)
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