Australia tour of UAE 2014: Ben Hilfenhaus all set for comeback against Pakistan
Hilfenhaus all set to return to Australian side
Johannesburg: Sep 23, 2014
Australian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus is all set to stake his claim on the hot pitches of the Middle East when Australia face Pakistan in Test series next month, after a two-year long absence from the international front. Once an automatic pick in the team’s pace attack, the 31-year-old bricklayer has been on the outer since the home summer of 2012, when he picked up a side injury bowling against Sri Lanka in his home state of Tasmania.
As young up-and-comers like left-armer Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird helped bowl Australia to victory in the series, Hilfenhaus was left stranded on 99 Test wickets, Sport24 reported.
With a bowling average of 28.50 from 27 Tests, Hilfenhaus had done little wrong in his four years at the top level, barring an underwhelming Ashes series in 2010-11 that, for many Australians, left a dark mark on his resume.
But the return of big-hearted Ryan Harris and the rehabilitation of fellow quick Mitchell Johnson last season left even less space in the dressing room.
However, Hilfenhaus is in the limelight again due of Australia losing injury-prone all-rounder Shane Watson to yet another calf strain.
Hilfenhaus revealed on Cricket Australia’s website on Monday that he had a call from Australia’s head of selectors Rod marsh telling him the exciting news, and added that it is obviously disappointing for Watson not being available.
But he said that he is very happy to get another chance at the next level, adding that he knows that if he gets back bowling to the way as he did a couple years ago then it is hopefully going to be good enough to get another crack at that level.