Clarke pushes Hauritz’s case but Chappell not buying yet

SYDNEY - Australia’s vice captain Michael Clarke was happy with his assessment of Nathan Hauritz’s form, but not selector Greg Chappell whose opinion counts the most.

Hauritz bowled well and claimed two top-order wickets during a Sheffield Shield match, but Chappell, who along with Andrew Hilditch, David Boon and Jamie Cox will finalise the Test squad this weekend, was more cautious.

“He was much better today so that was good. He bowled OK,” Chappell said after Hauritz returned the figures of 2-47 from 21 overs.

Clarke, who bowled poorly on Wednesday, dismissed his first-innings tormentors Michael Hill and David Hussey cheaply after NSW captain Stuart Clark handed the new ball to him.

Clarke had no doubt Hauritz would deliver the goods if named to play in Brisbane, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

“Under pressure bowling with the new ball, I thought he bowled really well. Haury’s bowling into the best part of the wicket where there’s not much rough, especially to the right-handers,” Clarke said.

“He’s slowly building momentum and his confidence is certainly growing. He’s really excited about this first Test match in Brisbane and hoping he gets selected and if he continues to bowl the way he has his figures will look a lot different,” he said. (ANI)