Published: Nov 30, 2012, 01:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 30, 2012, 01:05 PM (IST)
Ricky Ponting’s retirement will leave the important number three spot vacant and up for grabs for the youngsters in Australia © AFP
Perth: Nov 30,2012
As Ricky Ponting announced his retirement from Test Cricket ahead of the Australia’s third Test against South Africa, making it his last, a couple of talented youngsters are in line to take his coveted number three spot in the team for the series against Sri Lanka, starting on December 14.
Frontrunners, Usman Khawaja and Alex Doolan will be looking to score big runs when they play for Chairman’s XI against Sri Lanka on December 8.
The duo as well as Glenn Maxwell and Scott Henry have been released by their Big Bash teams in order to play in the longer format.
The Australian squad for the warm-up game against Sri Lanka also features promising young batsman Dean Solway. National Selection Panel chairman John Iverarity, as reported by cricket.com.au, said that the team had an ideal mix of youth and experience.
“Usman Khawaja has been nominated as captain. He, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Doolan and Scott Henry have been released from their BBL franchises.
“They are players who have shown some excellent form in recent months and will be looking to enhance their claims for higher honours. “Dean Solway from the ACT is a talented young batsman who will be keen to impress on his home turf.
“Scott Henry, Marcus Harris, Travis Head and Sam Whiteman are young left-handed batsmen. Each has produced at least one outstanding first-class innings recently and Whiteman will be given an opportunity to display his skills as an accomplished wicket-keeper.
“Luke Butterworth is an experienced medium-fast swing bowler who bowls with great accuracy and will provide great stability to the attack.”
