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Caribbean Crew

Saturday, March 15 2003

The openers in the squad pick themselves, with Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer forming the partnership that has been marveled worldwide.

Numbers 3 & 4 are as straightforward as the openers - Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn.

Ponting, the heir apparent to the Test captaincy throne, will hope to return to the Test arena with his first World Cup victory as captain, while Martyn ands reliability and stability to the middle order.

Captain will be Stephen Waugh, who has announced his availability for the tour. He will bat at 5.

Number 6, however, seems to be the most difficult position of all. Darren Lehmann, Martin Love or Michael Clarke?

Lehmann looks to be the favorite. Despite his modest career record, he did little wrong in the Ashes series and deserves the first shot at the number 6 slot.

Love looks set to be chosen as the reserve batsmen. He impressed in his first 2 Tests, especially with his slip fielding, but it is unlikely that he will be selected ahead of the South Australian captain 'Boof'.

Young gun Michael Clarke looks set to miss out, perhaps due to his modest Pura Cup Final return but more than likely due to the fact that Lehmann and Love are seen as superior products at this stage.

Greg Blewett may also challenge for a spot in the squad.

Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist has an indefinite mortgage on the wicket-keepers position, although selectors may select a back-up in Brad Haddin, Wade Seccombe or Ryan Campbell as a 16th player.

The first four pace bowlers have their flights booked - Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie (subject to fitness), Brett Lee and Andy Bichel.

The race for the fifth pace bowlers place, however, is far from over.

Ashley Noffke and Brad Williams are the leading contenders, with selectors likely to choose Williams as an act of faith to the Victorian-born quick.

Outsiders for the role include Stuart Clark, in-form Joe Dawes and Michael Kasprowicz.

Stuart MacGill, as the incumbent, is set to be regarded as first choice spinner, especially due to his recent good form.

This leaves Brad Hogg and Nathan Hauritz to fight out for the final spinner's berth, with Hogg the likely inclusion because of his superior batting, fielding and the uniqueness of the left-arm chinamen delivery.

Possible Squad:

Steve Waugh ©
Adam Gilchrist (v/c)
Matthew Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting
Damien Martyn
Darren Lehmann
Martin Love
Brad Hogg
Andrew Bichel
Brett Lee
Jason Gillespie
Stuart MacGill
Brad Williams
Glenn McGrath
Likely 16th man if required: Wade Seccombe.

Posted by Andre