Cricket Australia today named a 12-man squad for the first Test against the BLACKCAPS starting at the Gabba on Thursday.
The Australian squad is:
Michael Clarke (c)
Brad Haddin (vc)
Ben Cutting
Phil Hughes
Mike Hussey
Usman Khawaja
Nathan Lyon
James Pattinson
Ricky Ponting
Peter Siddle
Mitchell Starc
David Warner
Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “The NSP has today announced a versatile and exciting squad for the first Vodafone Test against New Zealand starting on Thursday.
“Unfortunately Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Patrick Cummins, Ryan Harris and Shaun Marsh are unavailable for selection due to injury and Michael Beer and Trent Copeland are the players to have missed selection after being part of the Test squad in South Africa.
“The absence of these players obviously provides a great chance for David Warner, James Pattinson, Ben Cutting and Mitchell Starc to come into the squad and perform on the international stage and I know that is an opportunity they are all looking forward to.
“Although injuries to those key players are not ideal, this provides an opening for these promising young players to come into the Australian squad and further their development.
“David, James and Mitchell have been in and around the Australian limited overs squad at various times recently and showed that they have the talent and skills required to perform on the international stage.
“This is obviously the first time Ben Cutting has been included in an Australia squad and he has impressed us with his performances in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield this year and this is reflected in his success at the competition’s leading wicket-taker.
“Trent has had a lack of opportunities to push for selection in recent times. He will be disappointed but will work hard with New South Wales and I have no doubt he will again be putting his hand up for inclusion with good performances for his state.
“Additionally, in the absence of Shane Watson, the NSP has appointed Brad Haddin to the role of stand-in vice-captain. Brad is an experienced member of the squad, has had leadership responsibilities in the past and we believe those qualities will make him a good vice-captain for this match,” Inverarity said.
Source: Cricket Australia
