The Squad - Only 5 NSW Players....lol

JLC · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:22 pm

Australian One-Day International squad for Travelex tour of Sri Lanka

Cricket Australia

February 9, 2004

Cricket Australia today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen a 15-man squad for the five-match Travelex tour of Sri Lanka, beginning on Friday 20 February.

The squad is:

STATE AGE MATCHES
Ricky Ponting (captain) TAS 29 193
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain) WA 32 184
Michael Bevan NSW 33 227
Michael Clarke NSW 22 19
Jason Gillespie SA 28 64
Brad Haddin NSW 26 3
Ian Harvey VIC 31 67
Matthew Hayden QLD 32 88
Brad Hogg WA 33 41
Michael Kasprowicz QLD 31 18
Simon Katich NSW 28 4
Brett Lee NSW 27 80
Damien Martyn WA 32 143
Andrew Symonds QLD 28 88
Brad Williams WA 29 22

Michael Bevan, who has been sidelined with a fractured rib, and wicket-keeper/batsman Brad Haddin join the squad that took part in Australia's successful VB Series finals campaign.

Commenting on the players chosen, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "Playing in the sub-continent and taking on Sri Lanka presents a real challenge to this group, but we feel that 15 players will give us adequate depth and the necessary firepower to do the job.

"Michael Bevan's return to the squad following injury is welcomed, and we feel that a back-up wicket-keeper to support Adam Gilchrist is also necessary.

"Brad Haddin performed well when called into the squad during the VB Series and this touring experience should help in his overall development as a senior cricketer.

"In the pace-bowling department, we have included Michael Kasprowicz, who despite not playing during the two VB Series finals, is a proven performer on sub-continental wickets.

"His performance over a long period of time has been first-rate," he said.

The Australian squad for the three Test matches against Sri Lanka will be announced on Friday 20 February.

� Cricket Australia

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

No real issues with that squad although I thought that Hussey would get a go after his effort vs India in Perth.

JLC · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:47 pm

The squad isnt too bad. The pressure i think will be on the Australian middle order in this series. The bowling line up is versatile although it lacks a genuine world class spinner. It will be interesting to see if the spin of Katich, Clarke and Symonds will be good enough against Sri Lanka who normally play spin well.

jlc

Johnson#26 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003

The Prototype · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:04 pm

I'm still not sure about Haddin, his batting looked alright , just the stumpings his missed has me worried about him being in the side. Other then that, I really haven't a problem with the side. Haddin should go well, if he gets selected to play (he'll probably play one or two games)

commonwombat · commonwombat Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Location: sydney/s.africa

Haddin is substandard with the gloves and is frankly the least competent of all the regular first class keepers in Australia. He can certainly bat but is certainly no Gilchrist and Campbell is considerably superior with both bat and gloves.

He is getting the nod because he is 26 whereas Seccombe is 33 and Campbell 30. Accept the age question but it is NO justification for selecting an incompetent.

The Prototype · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:35 pm

What I don't understand is, the 2nd wicket keeper would hardly play, so right now age shouldn't be a problem. Campbell should still be given a chance, he's a decent batter, and a decent keeper.

Donny · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:20 am

They are going to Sri Lanka to play 5 ODIs. It's strange they're taking a reserve keeper at all.

They must be planning at least one match off for Gilly. Otherwise they'd just fly a replacement over if he copped an injury.

Looks an annointment for Australias next keeper and on that, I agree with the wombat.