Khawaja, Beer to make debuts in Sydney Ashes Test
By ANISunday, January 2, 2011
SYDNEY - Pakistan-born batsman Usman Khawaja and spinner Michael Beer will make their debuts for Australia in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series, starting in Sydney on Monday.
Stand-in captain Michael Clarke said that Khawaja would bat at No.3 in place of injured captain Ricky Ponting.
Selectors have also chosen to use the left-arm spin of Beer while leaving fast bowler Doug Bollinger to carry the drinks, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Khawaja will become the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, while Beer will get his debut after playing just seven first-class matches for Western Australia.
Both the players will have their caps presented by former Test players, which is Clarke’s preference over making the presentations himself.
Australia’s squad for the Test: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin (vice-captain), Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Mike Hussey, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Michael Beer. Doug Bollinger (12th man). (ANI)
