MacGill, Watson into Test squad, Lee out
December 30, 2004 - 1:44PM
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Legspinner Stuart MacGill has been named in a 13-man Australian squad for the third cricket Test against Pakistan, in Sydney starting Sunday.
Queensland allrounder Shane Watson was also included, but fast bowler Brett Lee - the 12th man for the past seven Tests - was not included.
With the SCG wicket expected to take some spin, MacGill could be a chance to play alongside Shane Warne, having played the last of his 32 Tests in Sri Lanka in March.
Watson was rewarded with a call-up after a fine season with the Bulls.
Lee was overlooked, but at least can return to play with New South Wales after being starved of cricket of late.
Lee can now play for the Blues in the ING Cup match against Western Australia, also on Sunday.
MacGill and Watson are the only additions to the side which beat Pakistan by nine wickets at the MCG.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said the panel felt it was time to give Lee some definite match time after a frustrating summer so far.
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Advertisement"We felt it was unlikely Brett would be selected to play in Sydney, as the three fast bowlers currently in the XI are doing a very good job," he said.
"So in Brett's best interests, we feel it is important for him to get some solid match practice, not just for New South Wales, but also for Australia A over the next couple of weeks.
"We acknowledge that the last few months have been frustrating for him, but his attitude and work ethic have been first-class."
Hohns said Watson gave the selectors the option of playing a seamer who can also bat well.
"His inclusion in the squad certainly gives us some variety if needed," Hohns said.
"Although he has yet to play a Test, Shane has plenty of experience as part of this squad, most recently in India, so if selected, we feel that he should be able to settle in and do a job for us."
MacGill, 33, has taken 152 wickets in his 32 Tests, at an average of 29.21, with a best haul of 7-50 - at the SCG against England in the summer of 1998-99.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Michael Kasprowicz, Justin Langer, Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Shane Watson.
December 30, 2004 - 1:44PM
Page Tools
Email to a friend Printer format
Legspinner Stuart MacGill has been named in a 13-man Australian squad for the third cricket Test against Pakistan, in Sydney starting Sunday.
Queensland allrounder Shane Watson was also included, but fast bowler Brett Lee - the 12th man for the past seven Tests - was not included.
With the SCG wicket expected to take some spin, MacGill could be a chance to play alongside Shane Warne, having played the last of his 32 Tests in Sri Lanka in March.
Watson was rewarded with a call-up after a fine season with the Bulls.
Lee was overlooked, but at least can return to play with New South Wales after being starved of cricket of late.
Lee can now play for the Blues in the ING Cup match against Western Australia, also on Sunday.
MacGill and Watson are the only additions to the side which beat Pakistan by nine wickets at the MCG.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said the panel felt it was time to give Lee some definite match time after a frustrating summer so far.
Advertisement
Advertisement"We felt it was unlikely Brett would be selected to play in Sydney, as the three fast bowlers currently in the XI are doing a very good job," he said.
"So in Brett's best interests, we feel it is important for him to get some solid match practice, not just for New South Wales, but also for Australia A over the next couple of weeks.
"We acknowledge that the last few months have been frustrating for him, but his attitude and work ethic have been first-class."
Hohns said Watson gave the selectors the option of playing a seamer who can also bat well.
"His inclusion in the squad certainly gives us some variety if needed," Hohns said.
"Although he has yet to play a Test, Shane has plenty of experience as part of this squad, most recently in India, so if selected, we feel that he should be able to settle in and do a job for us."
MacGill, 33, has taken 152 wickets in his 32 Tests, at an average of 29.21, with a best haul of 7-50 - at the SCG against England in the summer of 1998-99.
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Michael Kasprowicz, Justin Langer, Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Shane Watson.