Aussie Ashes Test Squad Named

Cricket Australia have announced a 13-man Test squad for the first three Ashes Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

There are call-ups for Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson while Stuart Clark returns to the fold after being in doubt at one stage because of a leg injury and managing to see off the challenges from Nathan Bracken and Jason Gillespie.

Justin Langer managed to see off Phil Jaques’ charge for a Test spot after he scored two hundreds against England in the past fortnight during the Prime Minister’s XI and New South Wales tour games.

Michael Clarke will consider himself unlucky to miss out on a spot within the squad with the selectors obviously preferring the all-round game of Shane Watson at six.

Andrew Hildtich, the Cricket Australia National Selection Panel Chairman told media during the squad announcement that there was a strong element of experience and youth and with the inclusion of Shane Watson it allowed for a more balanced team.

Hildtich went on to comment on the opening pair of Matthew Hayden and Langer by saying “as an opening partnership they have been one of the most successful partnerships in Australian cricketing history. Matthew had a great international season last year and is in fine touch this year. Justin has started the domestic season strongly, averaging over 70 so far and he scored an unbeaten hundred against Tasmania in Western Australia’s recent Pura Cup clash.”

Ricky Ponting commented on the squad by saying that it was exciting to have the current depth of fast bowling around the country and to see the continued success of Shane Watson at first-class level with both bat and ball.

The first Test starts at The Gabba in Brisbane on 23rd November.

Australia Squad
Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (wicket-keeper), Stuart Clark, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait, Shane Warne, Shane Watson