PBA DESK : Veterans Usman Khawaja, Peter Siddle, and
Nathan Lyon were Friday recalled to a revamped Australian one-day squad to
play India with an eye on the World Cup in England later this year.
After a poor run in the limited overs format, selectors ruthlessly axed
Travis Head, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott and allrounder Ashton
Agar.
Bowling spearheads Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are missing
after being ordered to rest and prepare for two upcoming Tests against Sri
Lanka.
National selector Trevor Hohns said that after Australia lost to South
Africa 2-1 at the start of the summer, a change was needed to turn things
around.
“With this in mind and the World Cup looming, we’ve selected players we
feel provide us with the flexibility to play a variety of roles at different
stages of a match,” he said.
“The upcoming three-match series against India and the ODI tours of India
and the UAE are important windows to put this into practice and to build a
squad to help defend our World Cup title.”
Seamer Siddle’s return was a surprise. He played his last one-day
international in November 2010, but gets another chance with the country’s
top fast bowlers unavailable.
He will lead the attack alongside Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and
Billy Stanlake.
“It’s wonderful to have Peter back in the squad for the first time since
2010,” said Hohns.
“His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and
his selection is great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership
qualities.”
Khawaja returns after an almost two-year exile while Lyon replaces Agar
after being overlooked for the recent South Africa series. Test players Mitch
Marsh and Peter Handscomb were also included, with Aaron Finch the captain.
“With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we’ve
recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad,” said
Hohns.
“Usman is a batsman we know can put vital runs on the board at the top of
the order, and Peter is not only a fine player of spin bowling, he’s also a
batsman we know can hold an innings together while keeping the scoreboard
ticking over.
“Mitch gives us another all-round option with his ability with both bat and
ball.”
Australia play three one-dayers against India, starting in Sydney on
January 12 before moving to Adelaide and Melbourne.
Australia’s 14-man squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh,
Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Jhye
Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon,
Adam Zampa.
PBA/zizi
