Cricket Australia has picked Doug Bollinger ahead of fellow pacer Stuart Clark for a spot in the 12-man squad for the first Test against West Indies at the Gabba starting next week.
- Doug(ged) Bollinger just doing his best
Experienced batsman Mike Hussey retains his spot while Shane Watson will open the batting with no recall for young gun Phil Hughes.
"The squad includes only one change from the side which played the last Test of the Ashes series in England," Chief selector Andrew Hilditch said.
"Doug Bollinger comes in for Stuart Clark. Stuart is extremely unlucky to miss selection but we have been very impressed with Doug's form in the recent ODI series in India and feel he deserves this opportunity in the Australian squad," The Herald Sun quoted him, as saying.
All-rounder Watson has been selected to open the innings with Simon Katich although former Test captain Allan Border and ex-coach John Buchanan say he should drop down to the middle order and make way for a specialist.
Border said Phillip Hughes should face the new ball, while Buchanan suggested Watson should bat between four and six
"If Shane is seen as a genuine allrounder who bowls a lot, then he might bat at No. 6. If he is seen as a batsman who bowls a bit, he might end up batting at No. 4 or 5," Buchanan said.
"They want Hughes back, but right now the best team is the one they have just had."
Australian squad: Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger.
