Australia Squads for tour of UAE announced
The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced the one-day and T20 international squads of 15 for Australia's VB Tour of the United Arab Emirates.
Australia will play three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals against Pakistan from 28 August - 10 September in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Australia squads are:
| One-Day Internationals | T20 Internationals |
| Michael Clarke (c) (NSW) | George Bailey (c) (Stars) |
| David Warner (vc) (NSW) | Shane Watson (vc) (Sixers) |
| George Bailey (TAS) | Dan Christian (Heat) |
| Dan Christian (SA) | Pat Cummins (Scorchers) |
| Xavier Doherty (TAS) | Xavier Doherty (Hurricanes) |
| Callum Ferguson (SA) | Ben Hilfenhaus (Hurricanes) |
| David Hussey (VIC) | Brad Hogg (Scorchers) |
| Michael Hussey (WA) | David Hussey (Stars) |
| Mitchell Johnson (WA) | Michael Hussey (Scorchers) |
| Glenn Maxwell (VIC) | Glenn Maxwell (Stars) |
| Clint McKay (VIC) | Clint McKay (Stars) |
| James Pattinson (VIC) | Mitchell Starc (Sixers) |
| Steven Smith (NSW) | Matthew Wade (Stars) |
| Mitchell Starc (NSW) | David Warner (Thunder) |
| Matthew Wade (VIC) | Cameron White (Stars) |
| Note: Where players are yet to sign with a team for BBL|02, the team they were contracted to in 2011-12 has been listed above. For up to date player signings, visit: bigbash.com.au/teams-and-players/player-signings | |
National Selector John Inverarity said:
"The ODI squad has a strong development aspect to it. Shane Watson and Ben Hilfenhaus have not been included and Brett Lee has retired. This will provide development opportunities for others and allow Shane and Ben to complete a more thorough strength and conditioning program before embarking on a very demanding schedule.
"The team includes many talented young players; David Warner, Matthew Wade, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and of particular interest Glenn Maxwell and Callum Ferguson.
"Glenn Maxwell is a relatively inexperienced player who debuted for Victoria in 50-over and T20 cricket in the 2009-10 season and in the Bupa Sheffield Shield the following season. He's a versatile and lively off-spinning all-rounder and brilliant fieldsman that has caught the eye of the NSP. An injury last January somewhat halted his progress but in recent months he has impressed in the IPL and with Hampshire. Glenn will provide another spin bowler option on the slow, low, turning wickets in the UAE.
"Callum Ferguson played very well at times for the Australian ODI team in 2009 before a serious knee injury halted his progress at international level. The NSP is keen to facilitate Callum's return to consistent good form and has included him in the squad and anticipates that he will benefit greatly from being in the team environment and any opportunities that may come his way.
"The ODI tour together with the Australia A tour will also provide an ideal pathway back to form and confidence for a very fit Mitchell Johnson.
"Peter Forrest has not been included in the ODI squad and will be looking forward to furthering his development batting at number three on the Australian A tour. He will be hoping to find some sunshine and firm pitches.
"The squad for the ICC World Twenty20 will be announced on 17 August and the squad for the three T20s against Pakistan in September provides a strong indicator to this tournament.
"Of interest would be the three spinners in the squad. Brad Hogg, who played in the two KFC T20 Internationals in February against India and has since been performing very well in T20 cricket, Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell form the trio.
"In Shane Watson, Dan Christian and Maxwell the squad will have three talented all-rounders who are well suited to the shortest format. Pat Cummins is expected to be fully fit for these fixtures and he, together with Hilfenhaus, Clint McKay and Mitchell Starc will provide the pace bowling options.
"Cameron White has recaptured some form in recent months. He scored particularly well in the IPL and with Northamptonshire in the County T20 competition. His experience and striking ability resulted in him winning favour with the NSP and shading Steve Smith for a place. Further, he will be able to provide invaluable support to George Bailey and Shane Watson, captain and vice-captain respectively.
"Michael Hussey's return to the fold in both squads will be welcomed. His all-round batting skills, the outstanding manner in which he prepares, and his unrelenting quest for excellence will add greatly to the team dynamic.
"The conditions in the UAE will be very demanding. The pitches will be different and it will be extremely hot, necessitating ODIs beginning at 6pm and ending after 1am. The players will be able to add further to their kitbags of experiences."
