09/10/2009 3:59 PM
Jon Holland is the surprise new face in the Australian squad named on Friday for the upcoming seven-match tour of India, the Victorian left-armer rewarded for some strong recent form for Australia A.
But vice-captain Michael Clarke won't be touring as he continues to recover from the back injury that forced him home early from the Champions Trophy in South Africa while Brad Haddin (finger), Callum Ferguson (knee) and Nathan Bracken (knee) are also all unavailable.
Apart from the call-up of 22-year-old finger spinner Holland, selectors have also recalled Western Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, who missed the entire one-day series in England and Champions Trophy after succumbing to a hamstring tear for the second time this year in South Africa in March.
With the Australian team coming off a successful defence of its Champions Trophy title, straight after it belted England 6-1, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said his panel has been pleased with the side's form.
"We're really pleased with the progress the ODI squad has made recently," Hilditch said.
"We do have four players unavailable for this tour due to injury (but) Shaun Marsh returns … having been an important and successful member of the one-day side before that injury."
"The NSP (National Selection Panel) is delighted with Australia's recent success at the ICC Champions Trophy, which came off the back of a very solid ODI series performance against England in England."
"To reclaim our No.1 ICC world ranking was recognition of this squad's recent achievements but we recognise we have to continue to improve and to establish a winning culture within this young group of players on tough tours, like this, to India."
"We expect the Indian series to be extremely testing, but the young squad is looking forward to the challenge."
Hilditch added that the selection of Holland, who was chosen in Australia's initial 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy after impressing for Australia A against Pakistan earlier this year, is a look to the future in what are spin-friendly conditions in India.
"Jon Holland is in the squad as we wanted to take the opportunity to give a young left-arm finger spinner exposure both to the Australian team set-up and Indian conditions," Hilditch said.
"He has impressed in the recent Australia A series against Pakistan and in his time at CA's Centre of Excellence. If an opportunity arises on tour we feel he will equip himself very well at international level."
Australian squad to tour India:
Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Hussey (v-c), Doug Bollinger, Nathan Hauritz, Jon Holland, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White