Thaindian News

Sydney, Dec 10 (ANI): The Australian selectors dropped Marcus North, Doug Bollinger and Xavier Doherty for the third Test against England and picked up West Australian spinner Michael Beer.

Beer, 26, NSW allrounder Steve Smith and NSW opener Phil Hughes have been named in a 12 man squad for the Perth Test starting next Thursday.

Pacers Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus, who both missed selection in Australia’s XI for the second Test in Adelaide, have also been included.

Hughes has been summoned in place of opening batsman Simon Katich, who will miss the rest of the Ashes series with a torn achilles tendon, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Beer, who has taken just 16 first class wickets at an average of 39.93 since making his state debut two months ago, replaces fellow left-arm spinner Doherty, while Smith takes North’s spot.

“This is obviously disappointing for Marcus, who has played some outstanding Test innings for Australia,” national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.

“But it was felt to be the right time to bring the exciting prospect Steve Smith into the Test team. Steve has already had success at international level and will also add to the bowling depth with his leg spin bowling and dynamic fielding,”the statement said.

Hilditch said Beer’s knowledge of the WACA Ground secured his inclusion. “Michael is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has been very impressive at domestic level this year,” he added.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vc), Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Michael Beer, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus. (ANI)