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MacGill Withdraws; Squads Named

Wednesday, April 21 2004

Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill has withdraw from the Australian Test squad to tour Zimbabwe for moral reasons as Cameron White receives his first national call-up as second spinner for the controversial tour in May.

Andrew Symonds and Shaun Tait stand as discards from the Test leg of the Sri Lankan tour.

MacGill has cited a moral objection to touring the strife-torn country, stating he "did not believe he could tour Zimbabwe and maintain a clear conscience". He stands. At this stage, as the only Australian to opt out of the tour due to the conflict in the troubled African nation, despite the concerns expressed by captain Ricky Ponting.

The leg-spinner, with 152 wickets in 32 Tests to his name, struggled for much of last summer living in the shadow of Shane Warne. His unavailability is said to not to harm his future Australian chances.

Symonds, meanwhile, falls victim following his first 2 Test matches in which he struggled to adjust to the top level. Seemingly, White has overtaken Symonds and Brad Hogg as the spinning all-rounder option in Test matches.

The Victorian captain just 2 weeks ago missed out on a Cricket Australia contract as the selection panel opted for youth. His selection signals a growing movement within the hierarchy towards the younger brigade of player.

Glenn McGrath's recovery from ankle problems has been deemed complete and he has been selected to resume his place in both forms of the game - Tait missing out in the Tests, while Brett Lee was ruled out of contention allowing for McGrath to return in ODI's. Brad Williams retains his place in both squads despite pressure from Tait.

In a promising sign Shane Watson has been recalled to the ODI squad following 18 months in the international wilderness due to injury. His inclusion means there is no place for Simon Katich, a member of the VB Series squad and the ODI party in Sri Lanka.

Darren Lehmann caps off an important 2 months with a recall to the ODI side - seemingly as a direct replacement for the axed Michael Bevan - as the experienced middle-order batsman. Brad Haddin has also been left out from the touring party following 3 ODI appearances last summer.

The selectors opted against taking a 7th batsman in the Test squad, meaning Michael Clarke and Martin Love both miss selection.

Test squad:

Ricky Ponting (c)
Justin Langer
Matthew Hayden
Damien Martyn
Darren Lehmann
Simon Katich
Adam Gilchrist
Cameron White
Shane Warne
Jason Gillespie
Michael Kasprowicz
Brad Williams
Glenn McGrath.

ODI Squad:

Ricky Ponting (c)
Adam Gilchrist
Matthew Hayden
Damien Martyn
Andrew Symonds
Darren Lehmann
Michael Clarke
Shane Watson
Ian Harvey
Brad Hogg
Jason Gillespie
Michael Kasprowicz
Brad Williams
Glenn McGrath.

Posted by Andre