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Bracken, Williams in Test squad
Melbourne, Nov 27: Pacemen Nathan Bracken and Brad Williams have been rewarded for their consistent performance in India with berths in the 12-member Australian squad for the first three Tests of the forthcoming series.
Melbourne, Nov 27: Pacemen Nathan Bracken and Brad Williams have been rewarded for their consistent performance in India with berths in the 12-member Australian squad for the
first three Tests of the forthcoming series.
Bracken and Williams, who impressed in the recent triangular series in India, found an easy passage into the team with regular fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee still recovering from their injuries.
Both Lee and McGrath are recovering from surgeries on their left ankles.
"Williams has now been exposed to test cricket and his performance along with bracken was nothing short of outstanding," said Trevor Hohns, chairman of the selection committee. Also returning to the side, led by Steve Waugh, were leg-spinner Stuart MacGill and paceman Jason Gillespie following injuries which forced both of them out of second Test against Zimbabwe in Sydney in October.
Young Simon Katich also found favour with selectors after his all-round performance against Zimbabwe in Sydney. Besides picking six wickets, Katich contributed 65 runs.
Katich's ability with the ball would allow the team to play with four specialist fast bowlers if needed. Squad: Steve Waugh (Capt), Ricky Ponting, Andrew Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Stuart MacGill (26), Damien Martyn (35), Brad Williams (1).
Bureau Report
Both Lee and McGrath are recovering from surgeries on their left ankles.
"Williams has now been exposed to test cricket and his performance along with bracken was nothing short of outstanding," said Trevor Hohns, chairman of the selection committee. Also returning to the side, led by Steve Waugh, were leg-spinner Stuart MacGill and paceman Jason Gillespie following injuries which forced both of them out of second Test against Zimbabwe in Sydney in October.
Young Simon Katich also found favour with selectors after his all-round performance against Zimbabwe in Sydney. Besides picking six wickets, Katich contributed 65 runs.
Katich's ability with the ball would allow the team to play with four specialist fast bowlers if needed. Squad: Steve Waugh (Capt), Ricky Ponting, Andrew Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Stuart MacGill (26), Damien Martyn (35), Brad Williams (1).
Bureau Report