Australia name squad ahead of Sri Lanka Tour

Michael Clarke will lead the side in Sri Lanka

Australia has announced their squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka. The former world champions are looking to revamp their side after a dismal performance at the World Cup. The side would be led by Michael Clarke and includes a plethora of uncapped players. For the sake of experience, the team includes Shane Watson, Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting. The chairman of selectors categorically stated that the aim was to build a team for the future. In line of the argument youngsters such as Shaun Marsh and Michael Beer have been included.

The surprise exclusion was that of Doug Bollinger. The left-arm pacer has been appreciated by critics all over the world for his dedication and consistency. He was a part of the Chennai Super Kings side that defended its IPL crown earlier this year. His caliber in all forms of the game is unquestioned. The current Australian pace attack includes a lot of new faces such as Trent Copeland and James Pattinson. The latter has a sum-total of eight first class games on his record but still managed to make the 15 man squad. The other acquainted names in the line-up are Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson.

The other notable inclusion is that left-handed opening batsman Philip Hughes who will walk out with Shane Watson. Hughes has been given a fair number of opportunities before but remains a rookie. He has not been able to cement his place in the side inspite of terrific domestic record. The chairman of selectors invested his faith in him assuring him another fair chance and hoped that he would constitute another great opening pair as has been the tradition in Australian Cricket. There has been wide speculation upon the pair’s capability of filling the void left by Langer and Hayden in the side.

Meanwhile, Australia’s search for a quality spinner continues after the retirement of Shane Warne and Brad Hogg. Nathan Lyon has been selected for this tour to Sri Lanka where the wickets would give him something to work with. The 23 year old off-spinner would have to deliver briskly as the selectors in Australia have tended to be impatient with spinners. A relevant example is that of Nathan Hauritz. He was ousted inspite of decent performances in India and in the Ashes.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka cricket board has decided against the use of DRS due to a financial crisis. The Cricket board has refused to bear the burden of an expensive review technology that is not half-as-effective without the hawk-eye.