Hodge makes way for Bracken

Nathan Bracken has been named in the Australian squad for the first test at the Brisbane Cricket Ground against the West Indies ahead of batsman Brad Hodge.

Chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns had the following to say about Bracken’s inclusion in the squad:

“That’s no reflection on Brad Hodge, but in this instance we felt for the purposes of flexibility in the attack, Nathan Bracken would provide us with another bowling option depending on the conditions that might prevail at the ‘Gabba.

“Obviously since the end of the Super Test in Sydney, there has been a lot of speculation about the option of playing the two spinners in this match against the West Indies.

“With both Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill in the squad we still have that option, and will assess it closer to time, once we can study the conditions in greater detail.”

There are no other changes to the squad after the successful 210 run win over the ICC World XI earlier this month.

Squad: Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Shane Watson.