Test Squad For Tour Of South Africa And KFC T20 International Squad

The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has today named a 15-player squad for next month’s Australian Test Tour of South Africa and a 14-player squad for the upcoming KFC T20 Internationals against England to be played in Hobart (29 January), Melbourne (31 January) and Sydney (2 February).

The 15-player Australian Test squad is:
Michael Clarke(c) – NSW
Brad Haddin (vc) – NSW
Jackson Bird – TAS
Alex Doolan – TAS
James Faulkner – TAS
Ryan Harris – QLD
Mitchell Johnson – WA
Shaun Marsh – WA
Nathan Lyon – NSW
James Pattinson – VIC
Chris Rogers – VIC
Peter Siddle – VIC
Steve Smith – NSW
David Warner – NSW
Shane Watson – NSW

The 14-player KFC T20 International squad is:

George Bailey (c) – Hobart Hurricanes
Aaron Finch (vc) – Melbourne Renegades
Dan Christian – Brisbane Heat
Nathan Coulter-Nile – Perth Scorchers
Ben Cutting – Brisbane Heat
James Faulkner – Melbourne Stars
Josh Hazelwood – Sydney Sixers
Moises Henriques – Sydney Sixers
Glenn Maxwell – Melbourne Stars
James Muirhead – Melbourne Stars
Chris Lynn – Brisbane Heat
Mitchell Starc – Sydney Sixers
Matthew Wade – Melbourne Stars
Cameron White – Melbourne Stars

Commenting on the Test squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “We believe this is a strong squad with sufficient flexibility for this great challenge of taking on the world’s top ranked Test team.

“We have selected Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh as two of seven batsmen in the squad. George Bailey, who played an important role in the Test team that defeated England 5-0, has been overlooked for this tour. This was a difficult decision, but on this occasion we felt Alex and Shaun have games that are well suited to facing South Africa in South Africa.

“We consider that both are strong players of pace bowling which is important given the strength of South Africa’s attack. Alex was on standby for the recent fifth Test in Sydney and scored a most impressive 165 not out against South Africa for Australia A last season.

“Shaun is a talented batsman who is striking the ball very well at the moment. He has the technique and potential to do well. On this occasion these two batsmen were preferred to Phillip Hughes who we feel is best suited to a top order position. Phillip remains a highly regarded batsman whose time will come.

“James Pattinson is regaining fitness and form. At his best he is a fine Test match bowler. Jackson Bird shaded out Nathan Coulter-Nile for the final bowling position and each of these bowlers is showing encouraging form.

“The majority of the squad will depart on 29 January with the exception of  James Faulkner who will remain behind to play in the T20 Series and join the team during the warm-up game in Potchefstroom.

“The NSP is supporting Darren Lehmann and Michael Clarke in their strong desire to give this Test series the highest priority and have the best possible preparation for the players who have performed so admirably this summer. As such some Test players and others were not considered for the KFC T20 International squad,” said Mr Inverarity.

Commenting on the KFC T20 International squad Inverarity said the players have the opportunity to press for Australian representation at the ICC World Twenty20, with a 15-man squad for that tournament scheduled to be announced on 16 February.

“The ICC World Twenty20 is just around the corner and these and other players will come into contention for our 15-man squad for that tournament.

“Cameron White and Chris Lynn have been in tremendous form this season and have shown themselves to be destructive hitters of the ball, as have all-rounders Dan Christian and Ben Cutting.

“The NSP is looking to develop spin bowling options for both the ICC World Twenty20 and the 2015 ICC World Cup. Twenty year old James Muirhead has impressed recently. He is an exciting prospect as an emerging leg-spinner and will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.

“Mitchell Starc has a fine record in International T20 cricket and is an important player in our ICC World Twenty20 campaign. It is anticipated that he will be ready to perform by the end of this month.

“Josh Hazlewood has returned to fitness and his Big Bash League performances have been consistently very good.”

Players eventually chosen in the Australia squad for the ICC World Twenty20 will also play the three T20 fixtures against South Africa following the Tests Series in that country.