|
|
|
| December 09, 2006 | Saturday | Ziqa'ad 17, 1427 |
Symonds, Voges called for Perth Test
PERTH, Dec 8: In a day of surprises, Australia recalled all-rounder Andrew Symonds and named Adam Voges in their squad for the third Ashes Test against England.
With veteran batsman Damien Martyn announcing his shock retirement earlier in the day, despite initially being named in the side, the Australian selectors were forced to reconvene and select a revamped squad for the Test, which starts on December 14 here at the WACA Ground.
Symonds and West Australian Voges came into the 13-man squad, while Martyn and speedster Shaun Tait dropped out of the squad that assembled for the second Test in Adelaide.
Queensland's Symonds hasn't played Test cricket since April, but his all-round talents will have him favoured to play in Perth ahead of Voges.
Symonds last played against South Africa in Johannesburg, making 29 and 4 and claiming one wicket. The 31-year-old has generally struggled in 10 Tests, averaging 19 with the bat and 45 with the ball, but is a recognised star in one-day cricket.
The selection of Voges, a middle-order batsman and part-time spinner, came from left field, even catching the 27-year-old by total surprise.
Voges has scored two Pura Cup centuries in fourinnings this season, with 320 runs at an average of 160. He has played 23 first-class matches, for 1414 runs at 44.18, and holds the record for the fastest domestic one-day century (62 balls).
Voges played against England earlier in the tour, making 39 from 32 balls for the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.
Just a month ago, Voges was dropped from the WA side to make way for returning Australian players after the ICC Champions Trophy, despite scoring a century in his previous game.
Now he finds himself in the Australian squad due to the retirement of one of those players.
Voges said making his Test debut in front of his home crowd would be “a dream come true”.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the retirement of Martyn offered a perfect opportunity to blood a young player.
Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson.—AFP
|
|
|
|
