Australian Test hopeful Ed Cowan was withdrawn from the Chairman's XI team that would face India in a practice match as the batsman was sought by state side Sydney Sixers for Friday's Twenty20 Big Bash League opener.
Published: Dec 13, 2011, 02:06 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 13, 2011, 02:06 PM (IST)
Ed Cowan was initially named as captain for the two-day encounter starting on Thursday at Manuka Oval, Canberra © Getty Images
Melbourne: Dec 13, 2011
Australian Test hopeful Ed Cowan was withdrawn from the Chairman’s XI team that would face India in a practice match as the batsman was sought by state side Sydney Sixers for Friday’s Twenty20 Big Bash League opener.
The 29-year-old was initially named as captain for the two-day encounter starting on Thursday at Manuka Oval, Canberra.
But in a deal brokered between Sixers management and Cricket Australia, the in-form opener will now feature in the Chairman’s XI side to play India in next week’s three-day tour match, allowing him to turn out for the depleted Sixers.
“Ed is a great signing for the Sydney Sixers and we are excited to have him on board,” Sixers boss Stuart Clark said.
“We really appreciate the support of Cricket Australia with this decision and thank them for working with us on this particular issue.”
CA General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said: “Our long term planning for the Vodafone Boxing Day Test had been based around the principle that all fit players would be available for round one KFC T20 Big Bash League games and then their focus will turn towards their individual preparation plans for the first Test against India.”
The two Chairman’s XI practice games feature Test-potential players who are returning from injury, such as Doug Bollinger, young players who could benefit from the experience, and players selectors are monitoring for possible future selection.
Cowan, will now replace the injured Shaun Marsh (back) in the second game starting on Monday.
“While we are hopeful, Shaun’s chances of recovering sufficiently in order to be considered for the first Vodafone Test against India are considered unlikely at this stage,” Howard said of Marsh.
Queensland’s Ryan Broad will replace Cowan as captain for the two-day game.(PTI)
