Michael 'Pup' Clarke named deputy for WI tour
Michael Clarke has replaced the retired Adam Gilchrist as vice captain of the test squad for the West Indies tour beginning in May. Clarke will be Ponting’s deputy for the Tests as well as the one-dayers.
Brad Haddin joined the Test squad as wicketkeeper to replace Gilchrist, who recently retired as the most successful gloveman in Test cricket after the India series.
The selectors revealed a 15-member squad for the three-Test series, inducting spin twins Stuart MacGill and Beau Casson, and in-form batsman Simon Katich in the squad. They also named a 14-member ODI side for the five one-dayers they would play in the Caribbean. First-timer David Hussey, younger brother of Mike, made it to the list.
Chief selector Andrew Hilditch felt that Clarke's selection as vice captain was a step forward.
"While we had some very strong candidates within the current team, including those of the calibre of Michael Hussey, we had no hesitation in recommending Michael Clarke for the position," Hilditch said. "We were thrilled with his performances as captain during the two Twenty20 International games this summer and believe he has outstanding leadership credentials."
On having two spinners for the Test module of the West Indies tour, Hilditch said, "We have recalled Stuart MacGill after his recovery from injury. We think he will play an important role during the series and believe a player with 200 Test wickets will have a significant impact.”
Katich's credence of runs was enough to earn him a recall. Hilditch added. "Since he was omitted from the Australian side there is nothing more we could have asked Simon to do. He has done absolutely everything asked of him and had an outstanding summer for New South Wales. We are looking forward to him playing a key role throughout the tour,"
David Hussey, Shaun Marsh and Cameron White were added to the limited-overs squad that lost recently to India, while Nathan Bracken was selected subject to fitness - he is recovering from knee surgery.
Australia will play Tests in Jamaica (May 22-26), Antigua (May 30-June 3) and Barbados (June 12-16) followed by a Twenty20 international on June 20 and five limited-overs internationals.
Squads:
Test: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Beau Casson, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds.
ODI: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White.