Shane Watson makes way for Peter Siddle
Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:21 pmAll-rounder Shane Watson has been omitted from the Australian squad ahead of the second 3 Mobile Test against New Zealand in Adelaide which begins on Friday.
Victorian paceman Peter Siddle replaces Watson in the 12-man squad after the Queenslander recorded scores of one and five and match figures of 2-54 during the first Test in Brisbane.
National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said Watson was unlucky to be left out of the team following a solid tour of India which saw him score 170 runs at 24.28, including his highest Test knock of 78 in the second Test at Mohali, and capture 10 wickets at 32.10, including his best Test bowling figures of 4-42 in the fourth Test at Nagpur.
"It is obviously disappointing for Shane Watson to be omitted from the Test 12 after playing well for us during the four-Test period in India and this week at the Gabba," Hilditch said.
"We have been very pleased with Shane’s development, but for the Adelaide Test our intention is to play a specialist spinner rather than the make-up used successfully in the first Test."
"Having made that decision we thought it was important that Shane took the opportunity to play for Queensland to ensure he had played as much cricket as possible leading in to the remainder of what is a very important Australian summer."
Australia leads the 3 Mobile two-Test series against the Black Caps 1-0 following its 149-run victory at the Gabba on Sunday.
for further details go to: http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx? ... y&id=14529
Victorian paceman Peter Siddle replaces Watson in the 12-man squad after the Queenslander recorded scores of one and five and match figures of 2-54 during the first Test in Brisbane.
National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said Watson was unlucky to be left out of the team following a solid tour of India which saw him score 170 runs at 24.28, including his highest Test knock of 78 in the second Test at Mohali, and capture 10 wickets at 32.10, including his best Test bowling figures of 4-42 in the fourth Test at Nagpur.
"It is obviously disappointing for Shane Watson to be omitted from the Test 12 after playing well for us during the four-Test period in India and this week at the Gabba," Hilditch said.
"We have been very pleased with Shane’s development, but for the Adelaide Test our intention is to play a specialist spinner rather than the make-up used successfully in the first Test."
"Having made that decision we thought it was important that Shane took the opportunity to play for Queensland to ensure he had played as much cricket as possible leading in to the remainder of what is a very important Australian summer."
Australia leads the 3 Mobile two-Test series against the Black Caps 1-0 following its 149-run victory at the Gabba on Sunday.
for further details go to: http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx? ... y&id=14529
