Ashes: Symonds misses out
Roy Symonds has been left out of the 16-man Aussie squad for the Ashes, suggesting his career of 26 Test matches may be over.
Selectors instead opted to gamble on the fitness of Shane Watson, who is still recovering from a groin stain, and retain Ronald McDonald as, presumably, the backup all-rounder.
There weren't many other surprises in the squad. Nathan Hauritz, the sole centrally contracted spinner, is the only tweaker on the list - despite suggestions that Cardiff's pitch will warrant a dual-spin attack for the hosts.
The lack of a second spinner in the squad will increase Marcus North's stock price, especially if Australia is considering the prospect of not playing Hauritz in every Test. A veteran of two Tests, North has his eye on the crucial number six spot - and, obviously, on Shane Watson's groin... injury.
Doug Bollinger's sole Test in Sydney and performances in the one-day side weren't enough for selectors to include a second leftie frontline bowler. Either that or the marketing gurus deemed Brett Lee's blonde locks more promo-poster-friendly than Dougie's Advanced Hair mop.
The inclusion of Lee is a big show of faith in the speedster, who was on the verge of being dropped prior to his injury troubles. He hasn't played a first-class game of cricket since the Boxing Day Test, averages 45.44 in his ten Tests in England and yet he still managed a spot.
Ben Hilfenhaus' ability to swing the ball, even without the help of Murray Mints, was enough to book his plane ticket - though Lee's return may threaten his place in the side.
At this point Notch Johnson is the only certain starter in the Aussie bowling attack but it's hard to see selectors dumping the rapidly improving Peter Siddle. Then it will come down to the conditions and/or tour game form to decide whether Hilditch and co opt for Clark's seamers, Lee's speed or Hilfy's swing.
As expected, Graham Manou's inclusion on the central contracts list was a precursor to him being Haddin's understudy for this tour. Manou's rapid rise, overtaking the likes of Luke Ronchi and Chris Hartley to become the keeper-in-waiting, means he's just one strategically-placed ball on the Edgbaston outfield away from a Test debut.
Now that the touring party has been finalised, who is in your Ashes XI?
The Bunyip's XI: Phil Hughes, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitch Johnson, Stuart Clark, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus. 12th Man: Andrew McDonald (he has to justify his plane ticket somehow, right?)
Full Aussie squad: Punter Ponting (c), Pup Clarke, Sarfraz Clark, Brad Haddin, Haurie Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Bradman Hughes, The Batsman Formerly Known As Mr Cricket Hussey, Notch Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Token Ranga, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson*.
*Likely to have been ruled out by the time you read this.
Selectors instead opted to gamble on the fitness of Shane Watson, who is still recovering from a groin stain, and retain Ronald McDonald as, presumably, the backup all-rounder.
There weren't many other surprises in the squad. Nathan Hauritz, the sole centrally contracted spinner, is the only tweaker on the list - despite suggestions that Cardiff's pitch will warrant a dual-spin attack for the hosts.
The lack of a second spinner in the squad will increase Marcus North's stock price, especially if Australia is considering the prospect of not playing Hauritz in every Test. A veteran of two Tests, North has his eye on the crucial number six spot - and, obviously, on Shane Watson's groin... injury.
Doug Bollinger's sole Test in Sydney and performances in the one-day side weren't enough for selectors to include a second leftie frontline bowler. Either that or the marketing gurus deemed Brett Lee's blonde locks more promo-poster-friendly than Dougie's Advanced Hair mop.
The inclusion of Lee is a big show of faith in the speedster, who was on the verge of being dropped prior to his injury troubles. He hasn't played a first-class game of cricket since the Boxing Day Test, averages 45.44 in his ten Tests in England and yet he still managed a spot.
Ben Hilfenhaus' ability to swing the ball, even without the help of Murray Mints, was enough to book his plane ticket - though Lee's return may threaten his place in the side.
At this point Notch Johnson is the only certain starter in the Aussie bowling attack but it's hard to see selectors dumping the rapidly improving Peter Siddle. Then it will come down to the conditions and/or tour game form to decide whether Hilditch and co opt for Clark's seamers, Lee's speed or Hilfy's swing.
As expected, Graham Manou's inclusion on the central contracts list was a precursor to him being Haddin's understudy for this tour. Manou's rapid rise, overtaking the likes of Luke Ronchi and Chris Hartley to become the keeper-in-waiting, means he's just one strategically-placed ball on the Edgbaston outfield away from a Test debut.
Now that the touring party has been finalised, who is in your Ashes XI?
The Bunyip's XI: Phil Hughes, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitch Johnson, Stuart Clark, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus. 12th Man: Andrew McDonald (he has to justify his plane ticket somehow, right?)
Full Aussie squad: Punter Ponting (c), Pup Clarke, Sarfraz Clark, Brad Haddin, Haurie Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Bradman Hughes, The Batsman Formerly Known As Mr Cricket Hussey, Notch Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Token Ranga, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson*.
*Likely to have been ruled out by the time you read this.
