Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out

[King]

Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out Tait and Haddin in World Cup squad Cricinfo staff February 13, 2007 Brad Haddin's domestic form helped him earn a place ? Getty Images Shaun Tait's extra firepower won him the final fast-bowling spot in Australia's 15-man squad for their World Cup defence in the West Indies starting next month. Tait succeeded in his head-to-head battle with Stuart Clark while Cameron White also missed out after playing throughout the group phase of the CB Series. Brad Haddin, the New South Wales wicketkeeper-batsman, was picked as back-up for Adam Gilchrist, who is expecting the birth of his third child shortly before the team leaves for the Caribbean, and Andrew Symonds was chosen despite a serious arm injury. The ICC has given Cricket Australia clearance to replace Symonds if the biceps problem does not heal in time for him to play a significant part in the tournament. "Andrew's recovery from surgery has gone as well as could have been expected and, given his importance to the team and the balance of the team, it was felt that the risk of picking him so soon after surgery was warranted," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. Hilditch said the squad mixed youth and experience and was capable of winning the trophy for the third consecutive time. Shaun Tait edged into the 15-man outfit ahead of Stuart Clark ? Getty Images Tait appeared in his first two one-day internationals at the end of the CB Series preliminary rounds, taking 2 for 68 and 1 for 26, and Hilditch said it was a difficult decision to omit Clark, who captured ten wickets in six appearances. "Shaun's pace will give us extra firepower during the powerplays and at the end of the innings," Hilditch said, "and it adds variation to the pace attack." Australia also have Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson at their disposal. Hilditch was also confident Haddin would provide extra flexibility after a season of 669 Pura Cup runs and 406 in the one-day competition. "We see him as being capable of batting everywhere in the order," he said. "In addition, he provides us with cover as a second wicketkeeper should Adam become injured." The return of Shane Watson after a serious hamstring injury and the performances of Brad Hodge forced White out of the squad. "Cameron is extremely unlucky to miss selection," Hilditch said. "He is a young man with a bright future for Australia. We think he'll only get better with age." Australia's first game of the World Cup is against Scotland on March 14, but they will play two warm-up fixtures in St Vincent from March 6. Australia World Cup squad Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (wk), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin (wk), Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.

[King]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out Not too many surprises here too barring Haddin replacing Gilchrist. They have gone ahead with Symonds and that proves they don't believe in their bench strength after the recent losses against England. It is unusual for Austrlia to get a bit nervous and pick an injured player.

[Chandan]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out

Not too many surprises here too barring Haddin replacing Gilchrist. They have gone ahead with Symonds and that proves they don't believe in their bench strength after the recent losses against England. It is unusual for Austrlia to get a bit nervous and pick an injured player.

Perhaps their report might be saying that Symonds would indeed recover before the super eight, or maybe they're too confident of winning the initial matches without Gilchrist and Symonds. It is true that though that White is not equal to Symonds as of now. So why not take chance? If Symonds doesn't recover, then they have the permission to replace him.

[Holysmoke]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out damn i wanted white in the squad... he is useless

[King Tendulkar]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out Big mistake leaving clarke out. Tait is quick but could go for loads if he gets it wrong. Clarke can be relied on.

[Chandan]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out If you notice, Clarke has been selected. It is Clark who has been left out!

[King Tendulkar]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out Stuart Clark has been left out. Thats who I mean, big mistake leaving him out!

[Chaos]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out y is tait picked ahead of clarke?? silly selection there.

[audioman]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out Tait's selection is kinda like Sehwag's. Both have done nothing, and I am guessing it was their respective captains' call.

[Chaos]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out audioman, i dunno why you always compare to indian players? i think sehwag has won more games than tait. i would be happy if you compare tait to the likes of taylor, collymore and etc...

[Predator_05]

Re: Symonds cleared, but Clark and White miss out White not picked, yet they still continue with Watson ? WTF Good move to pick Tait tho' - he is a very dangerous bowler. The fastest in the world at the moment, bowls in the right areas - can hit the blockhole consistently. If there is a bit of swing, he will be unplayable at that pace. AUS should open with him and Lee, McGrath on later as a first change.