Oz selectors swing in changes to halt Australia’s T20 decline

Dubai: Cricket Australia selectors have recalled all-rounder Dan Christian, spinner Brad Hogg and paceman Mitchell Starc for Saturday’s crucial second Twenty20 match against Pakistan.

The changes follow Australia’s heaviest ever loss by the margin of balls remaining after Pakistan overhauled Australia’s total of 89 with seven wickets and 31 deliveries in hand. Glenn Maxwell, Ben Hilfenhaus and spinner Xavier Doherty have been dropped. Maxwell made four runs batting at No.8 and took 0-25 off two overs after being asked to open the bowling in his T20 debut. Wednesday night’s total of 89 was Australia’s second lowest ever and Christian is expected to slot in at No.8 in Maxwell’s place, News.com.au reports. However, skipper George Bailey wants the runs to come from the top four primarily, with pressure on openers David Warner and Shane Watson plus Mike Hussey and Bailey himself to lift the side to a more respectable total. Bailey said the Dubai pitch is playing slow and taking turn and he feels around 140 would be a handy total, the AAP reports. Australia will suffer more humiliation and fall behind Ireland in Twenty20 world rankings if they fail to avenge their record first match loss to Pakistan on Saturday. ANI