Aussies go with pace for India tour
Daniel Laidlaw
Queensland fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz, the catalyst behind Australia’s last Test victory on Indian soil, will return to India as the fourth fast bowler in Australia’s 14-man Test squad, which was named today.
Kasprowicz, who last played for Australia in the first Test against India last season, won selection ahead of Queensland team-mate Andy Bichel after pace weapon Brett Lee was injured. Kasprowicz has played just one first-class match this season after returning from a shoulder surgery but got in ahead of Bichel because of his experience in Indian conditions.
Kasprowicz led the Australian attack on the last tour of India in 1998, claiming a match-winning 5/28 in the final Test at Bangalore.
The Australian squad contained no surprises, with Shane Warne and Colin Miller included as the two spinners and Damien Martyn the seventh batsman. Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was overlooked, as Australia opted to take just the 14 players.
Bichel missed out despite claiming 5/60 in his last Test outing against West Indies.
Shane Warne will return to the Test arena for the first time since the tour of New Zealand in March 2000 to battle the only side which has consistently got the better of him. But it is 37-year-old medium pace and off-spin bowler Colin “Funky” Miller who could prove an under-rated threat.
Glenn McGrath will spearhead the Australian attack, while pace partner Jason Gillespie was selected after passing a fitness test. Swing bowler Damien Fleming also returns and may take the new ball with McGrath.
Australia’s batting line-up remains unchanged from the West Indies series, with the in-form Martyn pressing for a spot in the side should anyone slip up. No. 3 Justin Langer would seem to be under most pressure after scoring only 203 runs at 25.37 against West Indies.
Australia, which holds the Border-Gavaskar trophy, has won 15 consecutive Tests and is aiming for a series victory in India for the first time since 1969-70.
Australian squad:
Steve Waugh (c), Adam Gilchrist (v-c), Michael Slater, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Damien Fleming, Colin Miller, Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz.
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