McKay replaces Hilfenhaus for second Test against West Indies
By IANSMonday, November 30, 2009
MELBOURNE - Fast bowler Clint Mckay replaced an injured Ben Hilfenhaus in the 12-member Australian team for the second cricket Test against the West Indies that starts Friday at the Adelaide Oval.
National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch, while announcing the squad Monday, said that the injury to Hilfenhaus is very disappointing following his outstanding Ashes series and his Man-of-the-match performance in the first Test in Brisbane. Australia won the first Test by an innings and 65 runs.
“Hopefully with treatment he will be fit to be considered for selection for the third Test in Perth. It does provide an opportunity for Clint McKay to join the Australia squad for the second Test. Clint impressed all with his performances in India with the one-day squad and with his bowling for Victoria in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield this year,” Hilditch said.
“We also feel his (Clint) style of bowling will be well-suited to the conditions in Adelaide should he be selected in the starting 11,” he added.
Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Hilfenhaus has had a widely-reported knee tendon injury that was sore during the recent ODI series in India and the firstTest at the Gabba.
“The demands of Test cricket and the subsequent increased workload have made it harder to manage Ben’s injury, so it’s been decided that the best course of action is for him to miss the Adelaide Test. He will undergo an intense period of rehabilitation over the next two weeks with a view to him being available for selection for the third Test,’ he said.
The squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle
