Australia Test squad to play Pakistan in UAE

Australia name their squads for 2 Tests, 3 one-dayers and a T20 match against Pakistan in UAE in Oct and early Nov


Afp September 08, 2014

SYDNEY: Left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe and allrounder Mitchell Marsh were surprise inclusions Monday in Australia's Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Australia named their squads for the two Tests, three one-dayers and a Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the UAE in October and early November.

The uncapped duo were in a line-up that also includes allrounder Glenn Maxwell and the return of batsman Phil Hughes.

"We have picked Steve O'Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour," chief selector Rod Marsh said.

"We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners.

"Mitch Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket," he added.

"His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it."

Hughes will vie with incumbent Alex Doolan for the number three spot in the Test batting order.

He will travel to the UAE earlier than his team-mates to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant and Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad," Marsh said. "His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity."

Selectors named only three fast-bowlers - Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle - in the Test squad for the anticipated slower, spin-friendly pitches.

Captain Michael Clarke and allrounder Shane Watson were also named ahead of fitness tests, having been ruled out of the recent one-day tour of Zimbabwe.

Aaron Finch, who tops the Twenty20 international batting rankings, was named as Australia's new Twenty20 captain after George Bailey stood down to focus on the one-day World Cup.

The 27-year-old has racked up an average of 41.25 in 18 Twenty20 internationals, including a stunning 156 off 63 balls against England last year.

"Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about," Finch said.

"It came as a big surprise but it was a very nice phone call to receive from Rod Marsh."

Young fast bowler Pat Cummins was also included in the T20 squad, having last played for Australia in October 2012 before suffering a back injury.

In the one-day squad, paceman Sean Abbott was the big surprise after impressing at state level with New South Wales.

Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at neutral venues, such as the UAE, since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.

Test squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Alex Doolan, Michael Clarke (capt), Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe.

ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Sean Abbott, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

COMMENTS (1)

ASheikh | 10 years ago | Reply

Great news that Australia is planning to play us at home, i.e., in the UAE. We have to be good hosts and make sure that the we, i.e., the UAE, spends a lot of money on the series. This in turn will boost the economy of the home country, i.e., the UAE economy.

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