Hughes makes a comeback for Pakistan series
By IANSMonday, December 21, 2009
MELBOURNE - Australian opener Phil Hughes makes a comeback to the Test side for the first Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from Dec 26.
The National Selection Panel (NSP) chaired by Andrew Hilditch Monday selected Hughes in the 13-member squad for the Boxing Day Test.
“Phillip Hughes has been added to a squad of 13 players for the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan. While Ricky Ponting is expected to be fit for the Test, the NSP has picked a squad of 13 players for the match so there is adequate cover in the event that Ricky Ponting does not recover as quickly as is hoped,” said Hilditch.
“The NSP has taken the opportunity of including Phillip Hughes in the squad given his exciting debut at international level against South Africa, his recent form in Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield cricket and our view that he will be an important player for Australia moving forward,” he said.
“Peter Siddle has recovered from injury and returns to the Australian squad. Peter will play in the Ford Ranger Cup match on Wednesday for Victoria to get some match time in preparation for the Boxing Day Test,” Hilditch added.
Australian team physio therapist Alex Kountouris said: “Ben Hilfenhaus bowled eight overs in club cricket on Saturday. However, after bowling again at training on Sunday, he reported knee pain once again. As suchm he will not be available to play in the Boxing Day Test match and is likely to have a more extensive rehabilitation.”
“Ben will now meet with Cricket Australia medical staff to determine the best course of action and plan his rehabilitation for the coming weeks. Ricky Ponting is having ongoing treatment today for his left elbow injury. We’ll need to wait until he bats at training later in the week to determine his fitness for the Test match,” Kountouris added.
The team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle and Shane Watson
