Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

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  • Missing Dog
    WOOF Member
    • Jan 2007
    • 8501

    Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

    Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Shane Watson have all been named in Australia's 14-man squad for the limited overs series in the United Arab Emirates starting April 22.

    Symonds returns following a tumultuous summer that included knee surgery, a prolonged form slump and several off-field incidents.

    Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said that it was up to the Queenslander to "seize this opportunity" during the series that includes five one-day matches and one Twenty20 fixture.

    "Andrew Symonds has been cleared by Cricket Australia to resume playing for the Australian cricket team and he has been included in the squad," he said.

    "At his best Andrew is a dynamic one-day player with an outstanding record for Australia. It will now be up to him to seize this opportunity."

    Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and captain Ricky Ponting will all be rested for the six-match series to be led by Michael Clarke with Brad Haddin stepping in as vice-captain.

    Hilditch said the trio had been rested because of their "immense" workload ahead of the four-month tour of England later this year.

    "Having Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in prime form mentally and physically for the Ashes is critical and the series against Pakistan is the only opportunity to give them an appropriate break prior to the start of a very important period," Hilditch said.

    "Mitchell Johnson is now a key bowler in all three forms of the game for Australia and we've also taken this opportunity to provide him with a break before he commences preparation for the World Twenty20 and Ashes."

    Quick Peter Siddle will remain at home but Hilditch said he remained firmly in the selection panel's plans for the Ashes.

    Watson will initially play as a specialist batsman as he recovers from back stress fractures but Hilditch said he may be available to bowl later in the series.

    Hilditch said that the inclusion of Lee, who is on the way back from ankle and foot surgery, is subject to fitness.

    "His return to bowling at full pace will be monitored carefully and will be reviewed closer to the date of the commencement of the tour," Hilditch said.

    Lee had initially been slated to come back with the Kings XI Punjab side during the Indian Premier League before being a surprise selection for the series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    "We have added an additional bowler to the squad to enable us to manage the workload of the fast bowlers and in particular Brett during the tour," Hilditch said.

    The squad will meet in Johannesburg on April 18 prior to departing for Dubai.

    Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Ben Laughlin, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.
  • LostDoggy
    WOOF Member
    • Jan 2007
    • 8307

    #2
    Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

    Looks a good side to me

    4,3,2,1.......

    Comment

    • lemmon
      Bulldog Team of the Century
      • Nov 2008
      • 6432

      #3
      Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

      Meh not too fussed, the selectors obviously want to give them one last crack at coming back for the ashes.

      Comment

      • GVGjr
        Moderator
        • Nov 2006
        • 43919

        #4
        Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

        Symonds should not be selected but I can understand why they are looking at Lee.
        Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"

        Comment

        • Happy Days
          Hall of Fame
          • May 2008
          • 10027

          #5
          Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

          It's a garbage series anyway, so I'm not concerned.

          I don't think I'm capable of caring about cricket during footy season after 2005 anyway.
          - I'm a visionary - Only here to confirm my biases -

          Comment

          • LostDoggy
            WOOF Member
            • Jan 2007
            • 8307

            #6
            Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

            Oh well, can't be any worse than some of the garbage we've been throwing up in the one-day series anyway. And Symonds has always been a good one-day player.. if he can reproduce his good form will always be a valuable member of the side, but should never be picked for Tests.

            Comment

            • ledge
              Hall of Fame
              • Dec 2007
              • 14033

              #7
              Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

              So tell me what has Symonds done in the last 6 months to get a gig, unless you now get games under the rule each club must have at least one dipstick.
              Bring back the biff

              Comment

              • azabob
                Hall of Fame
                • Sep 2008
                • 15126

                #8
                Re: Lee, Symonds, Watson selected for series

                Originally posted by ledge
                So tell me what has Symonds done in the last 6 months to get a gig, unless you now get games under the rule each club must have at least one dipstick.
                I agree, Symonds is one step closer going to England. This is not good at all.
                More of an In Bruges guy?

                Comment

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