Friday, October 09, 2009

Team Announced for Australia Tour in India

Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced the Australia squad to play seven one-day internationals on the VB Tour of India In October and November.

The 15 man squad comprises of the following players: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey (vice captain), Doug Bollinger, Nathan Hauritz, Jon Holland, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Commenting on the squad, NSP Chairman, Andrew Hilditch, said "We're really pleased with the progress the ODI squad has made recently. We do have four players unavailable for this tour due to injury. Michael Clarke is continuing his rehabilitation from back soreness and Mike Hussey will be the vice captain for this tour. Brad Haddin continues his rehabilitation from finger surgery, following the injury he picked up during the Ashes series, and Tim Paine, following a fine ICC Champions Trophy, is selected as wicket keeper. Callum Ferguson continues to consult specialists over the knee injury he picked up during the ICC Champions Trophy final and is not available for this tour. Nathan Bracken is also unavailable due to a knee injury.

"Shaun Marsh returns after recovering from hamstring injury, having been an important and successful member of the one day side before that injury.

"Jon Holland is in the squad as we wanted to take the opportunity to give a young left arm finger spinner exposure both to the Australian team set up and Indian conditions. He has impressed in the recent Australia ‘A' series against Pakistan and in his time at CA's Centre of Excellence. If an opportunity arises on tour we feel he will equip himself very well at international level.

"The NSP is delighted with Australia's recent success at the ICC Champions Trophy, which came off the back of a very solid ODI series performance against England in England. To reclaim our number one ICC world ranking was recognition of this squad's recent achievements but we recognise we have to continue to improve and to establish a winning culture within this young group of players on tough tours, like this, to India. We expect the Indian series to be extremely testing, but the young squad is looking forward to the challenge".

Tour Schedule:

25 October - 1ST ODI AT VADODARA

28 October - 2ND ODI AT NAGPUR

31 October - 3RD ODI AT DELHI

2 November - 4TH ODI AT MOHALI

5 November - 5TH ODI AT HYDERABAD

8 November - 6TH ODI AT GUWAHATI

11 November - 7TH ODI AT MUMBAI

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