August 24, 2007	Friday	Sha’aban 10, 1428

HOBART, Aug 23: Luke Butterworth’s breakthrough 2007 has continued after he and Shane Harwood were added to the Australia ‘A’ squad to tour Pakistan next month.

Andrew McDonald, who was in the 14-man group, has a shoulder injury and a replacement was also needed for Ben Hilfenhaus.

Butterworth, 23, played his first five Pura Cup matches for Tasmania last season and his composure in the final drew the attention of the national selectors.

He was the Man of the Match in the defeat of New South Wales, scoring 66 and 106 under pressure and chipping in with 4 for 33 with his right-arm medium bowling.

His overseas experience will come at the expense of the Victorian all-rounder McDonald, who is recovering from major surgery to his right shoulder.

The news was better for McDonald’s team-mate Harwood, who remains in Australia’s plans despite being 33 and having had a string of injuries in the past three years.

Harwood, who made his Twenty20 international debut against England in January, should be an important part of Australia ‘A’ attack as one of only three genuine pace bowlers in the squad.

Doug Bollinger and Ashley Noffke are the other strike bowlers, with Butterworth and James Hopes providing variety in a group that also boasts four spinners.

The series begins at Lahore on Sept 5 with the first of three one-day games against Pakistan ‘A’. Two four-day matches follow at Faisalabad and Lahore, beginning on Sept 12 and Sept 19. —Agencies