Lee makes a comeback, Symonds dropped from Ashes squad
May 20th, 2009 - 8:38 pm ICT by IANSSydney, May 20 (IANS) Australian pacer Brett Lee has been recalled while Andrew Symonds has got the axe for the Ashes series in July.
Chief Test selector Andrew Hilditch Wednesday named a 16-man squad for the five-Test series which includes all-rounders Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald ahead of Symonds and also recalls Stuart Clark.
The rejection could have a strong bearing in Symonds career who will turn 34 next month. With a long history of disciplinary black spots, it is speculated that the controversial Queenslander’s Test career is at its fag end.
On the other hand, it marks a significant comeback for Lee who has battled injury and personal issues for the past 12 months.
Watson has been chosen subject to fitness after sustaining a minor groin injury in the recent limited-over series against Pakistan but Hilditch fully expected him to take his place, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The five-Test series starts with the first Test in Cardiff from July 8 and finishes with the Fifth Test at The Oval in late August.
After a 2-1 defeat in England in 2005, Australia regained the urn courtesy Ricky Ponting’s side’s 5-0 whitewash at home in 2006-07.
Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Hauritz, Graham Manou, Shane Watson.
- Australia announces squad for Ashes series - May 20, 2009
- Australia to select Ashes squad Wednesday - May 19, 2009
- CA drops David Hussey, Bracken and Clark from contracted players list - Apr 07, 2010
- Lee, Hodge named in Oz 30-man 2011 World Cup squad - Dec 17, 2010
- Ponting axed from Australia's ODI squad, Watson returns - Feb 20, 2012
- Hastings a surprise selection in Australia World Cup squad - Jan 18, 2011
- Spinners Hauritz, Doherty to face off for World Cup spot - Jan 11, 2011
- Aussie contract players for 2009-2010 season named - May 14, 2009
- Lee, Tait recalled for first ODI against England - Jan 11, 2011
- Australia retain Hayden, name three uncapped players for Sydney Test - Dec 30, 2008
- Lee in Australia's preliminary squad for World Twenty20 - Feb 26, 2010
- Australia recall Pattinson, drop Harris - Feb 28, 2012
- IPL riches may provide some solace for Oz Ashes series failures - Jan 07, 2011
- Clarke to lead Australia in Sydney, Haddin vice-captain (Lead) - Dec 30, 2010
- Warne to lead All Stars in T20 clash - Nov 20, 2009
Tags: andrew mcdonald, Andrew Symonds, brett lee, chief test, daily telegraph, fag end, fifth test, groin injury, hilditch, man squad, manou, michael hussey, mitchell johnson, nathan hauritz, queenslander, ricky ponting, shane watson, siddle, simon katich, test career
