Hughes, Khawaja axed from Test squad

Australia include Cowan, opener hopes to play on Boxing Day against India.

SYDNEY: Batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja were dumped from Australia’s squad for next week’s opening Test against India, which starts on December 26.

Selectors named a 13-man squad with Shaun Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus included, but there was no place for injured all-rounder Shane Watson and fast-bowler Ryan Harris. Chief selector John Inverarity said the size of the squad was due to the continuing uncertainty about the fitness of Marsh, who has been troubled by a back complaint.

Cowan was included on the strength of his 109 against India playing for the Chairman’s XI along with solid performances in the Sheffield Shield this season. The opener said he will be fully prepared to make his debut if Marsh fails to recover from injury in time.

“I would be silly to prepare expecting not to play,” he said. “I’ll assume Marsh will be fit and then it’s down to the side’s balance. Hopefully I’ll get my chance on Boxing Day.”

McGrath doubts Indian bowling

Meanwhile, Australia great Glenn McGrath has said
that India may lack the bowling firepower to pull off a series win.

McGrath said India would struggle if pace spearheads Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma were struck down by injury.

“To go into a Test without both those guys fully fit, it’s going to weaken their bowling line-up a lot and India could seriously struggle,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2011.