'Young Aus' to play Zimbabwe

The National Selection Panel (NSP) has selected a "developmental squad" for the two Australia A one-day matches against Zimbabwe early next month.

Somewhat strangely captained by Michael Clarke, who it is thought would have done enough at international level recently avoid an 'A' appearance against the developing Zimbabwe, there are no players in the team over 25 years of age.

While most of the selected 12 have had recent success at state level, it appears that one or two selections are based on promise more than anything else.

Shaun Marsh has hardly set the world on fire in the one day arena, yet to score a half century in the ING Cup. And the same could just about be said of 19-year-old batting prodigy Mark Cosgrove, although his recent Pura Cup hundred against a strong Blues attack justifies his inclusion.

And there is no doubt that Shane Watson continues to be the golden boy of Australian cricket. The talented all-rounder will not return to the bowling crease until after the two Zimbabwe encounters, and he has failed to convert a number of starts with the bat for the Tigers in recent times. He has been named vice-captain.

While there were no doubt a few surprises, Australia's pace bowling future has suddenly started to look brighter again. The selection of young South Australians Mark Cleary and the fiery Shaun Tait are a clear indication of the high regard in which they are held.

But perhaps the best selection story, even above that of Cleary's rise from playing outback cricket to Australia A inside 12 months, is that of Adam Griffith.

The solidly built native Tasmanian, 25, has worked tirelessly on his game and has finally started to reap the rewards. His efforts in the ING Cup this season have been so impressive as to leave him the second highest wicket taker after four rounds this year. He debuted last season.

In other Australian domestic cricket news...

- Reigning Victorian Pura Cup cricket of the year Jonathon Moss will captain the state in their two matches against Western Australia starting Thursday. With Darren Berry, Cameron White and Brad Hodge all unavailable due to injury or Australia A commitments, the in form 28-year-old receives a welcome feather in the cap. He debuted three seasons ago at age 25.

- With Tait and Paul Rofe in the Australia A first class team, former Queensland resident and allrounder Mick Miller returns for the Southern Redbacks' clashes against the Bulls in Brisbane from Wednesday. The hard hitting lower order batsman and tight medium pace bowler, who has a knack of doing well against his old state, is best remembered for two individual efforts last season of 7/55 with the ball and 112 with the bat.



Posted by JohnC