Wednesday 8 April 2009

Australia going nuts

Well, no, they're not. It just seemed like an interesting title. Australia has announced a 14 man squad for the ODI series against Pakistan later this month. Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson and Mike Hussey are being rested for the series. At least Mike can be glad he was rested alongside the captain, or it might be a little concerning. It still is.

Shane Watson and Brett Lee are back in the game, returning from injuries. Watson may only play the role of batsman until late in the series, however.

The lovely Fisher Roy is also back, probably because the Aussies are getting scared of losing. He's also 33 now. Seems to be getting old.

The team:
Michael Clarke (c) NSW
Brad Haddin (vc) NSW
Nathan Bracken NSW
Callum Ferguson SA
Brett Geeves TAS
Nathan Hauritz NSW
Ben Hilfenhaus TAS
James Hopes QLD
David Hussey VIC
Ben Laughlin QLD
Brett Lee NSW
Shaun Marsh WA
Andrew Symonds QLD
Shane Watson QLD

You won't believe who I'm supporting in this series.

6 comments:

12th Man said...

So they have picked one customary player representing each county other than NSW and QLD. Good going! Looks much different to the NSW-dominated OZ XI.

Amy said...

I'm surprised there aren't more Tassies on the list. Australia has a terrifyingly high proportionate of cricketers coming from Tasmania. We conveniently forget our open hostilities towards them in such circumstances. I, however, prefer to remain suspicious.

Krish said...

Mike Hussey is surviving on his inflated average because of his form during the first couple of years of international cricket. I think his days are numbered.

Q said...

They look short on batting.

Ur on the same side as I am!

Indophile said...

Well how much rest Ponting desires. Making a dozen runs in 4 mathces doen't get counted as heavy workload. Maybe Aussies will be shit again and the board will wake up Ponting from his rest in between the series like they did against NewZealand.

Amy said...

@Krish - I hate to think that, but it's certainly shaping up to be that way. At the moment, they retain a degree of respect for him, so they're keeping him on the side. But it's tough to make the Aussie team and there's many younger players out there vying for a spot.

@Q - That's interesting. I suppose they expect to win.

And strangely enough, no! I'm supporting Australia in their endeavours here. I figure if Pakistan reckon they want to have Akhtar on the team, then there's really no point in supporting a foolish venture like that. Plus, Callum Ferguson is on the Aussie team. I have developed an allegiance to the Echidna.

@Indophile - They say they're resting them all for the Ashes. It seems more ominous for Hussey, though.