Australia announce Test squad for SL

Four uncapped players included, Bollinger and Hilfenhaus dropped.

SYDNEY:

Australia selectors have put their faith in untested talent for the tour of Sri Lanka, including four uncapped players in the Test squad and handing batsman Phil Hughes a recall.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, batsman Shaun Marsh, and young fast-bowlers Trent Copeland and James Pattinson are in the 15-man squad but there was no room for the pace duo of Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Michael Clarke leads the team in his first Test series as full-time captain, which starts from August 31. The tour includes three Tests, two Twenty20 matches and five One-Day Internationals.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch termed the squad a good blend of youth and experience.

“It’s obviously a very important time for Australian cricket as we strive to get back to the top of world rankings,” he said. “But at the same time it’s a very exciting opportunity for this squad as it takes on Sri Lanka. We believe it’s a good blend of experience and young talented players who we’re sure are ready for the challenges ahead.”

Australia Test squad

Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson, Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle





Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2011.