Australia names unchanged team for second Test in Sydney

[deathmonger]

above

Ryan Harris wins recall to Test squad WAYNE SMITH From: The Australian December 30, 2011 RYAN HARRIS has been brought into the Australian Test squad for the New Year’s Test against India at the SCG. Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Dan Christian drop out of the squad with selectors opting to bring only 12 players to Sydney. The selection panel is of the belief that Harris can stand the rigours of a Test match after working his way back from a series of injuries. He further demonstrated his fitness by bowling four overs without complaint in Brisbane Heat’s 10-run loss to the Perth Scorchers in their BBL clash at the WACA Ground last night. Harris had been in contention for selection for the Boxing Day Test, won by Australia by 122 runs yesterday, but the panel felt he needed more time to prove his fitness. That provided recalled Tasmanian swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus the chance to re-establish himself in the Test arena at the MCG and he responded in kind by claiming his first five-wicket haul in taking seven in total for the match - as many wickets as he took in the entire Ashes series last summer. On the strength of his performance, coupled with the equally impressive feats of man-of-the-match James Pattinson and spearhead Peter Siddle, it’s unthinkable that any of the trio would miss selection in the final XI for the second Test of the series. Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said the team would take great confidence and momentum into the second Test and he welcomed Harris' return to the squad, after a four-Test absence. “Ryan has had carefully monitored preparation, which has gone to plan,” Inverarity said. “Mitchell Starc and Daniel Christian, who were both in the squad for the first Test, have been omitted but remain very much in our thinking.” It’s has been spectulated that Australia may opt to omit front-line spinner Nathan Lyon from the XI but that would require a stunning shift from convention, given the historic turn the SCG has provided. Frustratingly Shane Watson has not come up to warrant a return to the team and the champions allrounder’s chances of playing a role in the series have lengthened considerably, although the official word from within the team is that he remains in their plans for the third and fourth Tests. Australian XII: Michael Clarke ©, Brad Haddin (vc), Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner.

[panther]

should be fit

[carnish]

yes

[panther]

what about watson

[carnish]

what about watson

he is in... may not bowl though

[Old guy]

rhino is there best bowler but in whose place would he come in? hilfy bowled well...siddle has been doing well and pattinson bowled his heart out.. would be tough desicion

[deathmonger]

rhino is there best bowler but in whose place would he come in? hilfy bowled well...siddle has been doing well and pattinson bowled his heart out.. would be tough desicion

hilfy started sucking once the ball went old.

[Needforspeed]

hilfy started sucking once the ball went old.

+1. I think Hilfy will go out.

[Old guy]

hilfy started sucking once the ball went old.

well i wasnt able to see whole match today...so if ur correct hilfy is out..

[Cricket Tragic]

Hope he does - quality bowler!

[ShebbySB]

what about watson

Unlikely that he'll play the Sydney test but probably would be fit for 3rd & 4th test though he'll not bowl.

[Lord]

Unlikely that he'll play the Sydney test but probably would be fit for 3rd & 4th test though he'll not bowl.

Chappell was saying today that he'll play in Sydney n bowl too

[ShebbySB]

Chappell was saying today that he'll play in Sydney n bowl too

He had a brainfart:bumsmack:

[carnish]

Unlikely that he'll play the Sydney test but probably would be fit for 3rd & 4th test though he'll not bowl.

yeah just hearing such reports.. although most aussie experts say he is fit to bat but hasnt had any match practice to test fitness... reports coming in says he hasnt even gone to nets yet..

[ganeshran]

Hilfenhaus was done for good after the Ashes disaster. somehow he managed to claw his way back in the side. :headshake:

[Cricket Tragic]

Harris in for Sydney. Watson has not recovered.

[Lord]

Harris in for Sydney. Watson has not recovered.

4-pronged pace attack then.cant drop any of the seamers:nervous:

[fineleg]

govindo govindaaaa! for Team India

[Cricket Tragic]

4-pronged pace attack then.cant drop any of the seamers:nervous:

Possible but I think they will want a spinner in Sydney unless there is a LOT of grass on the pitch.

[rkt.india]

Possible but I think they will want a spinner in Sydney unless there is a LOT of grass on the pitch.

Sydney has been grassy for the last 2 years and this time too, it has some serious grass on it and some extra bounce.