MELBOURNE, 28 November 2003 — Fast bowler Jason Gillespie and leg-spinner Stuart MacGill were recalled to the Australian team yesterday for next week’s first cricket Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The pair missed Australia’s last Test against Zimbabwe in October as well as the triangular one-day series in India because of injury but have been passed fit to play in captain Steve Waugh’s final series.
However, Australia’s two main strike bowlers, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, remain sidelined by niggling injuries and were left out of the 12-man squad.
“We believe we have the necessary depth to adequately cover for both Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee,” Australia’s chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
“With Jason Gillespie now available and Andy Bichel having gained experience against the Indian batsmen, we are satisfied that we have the necessary firepower to deal with their talented top-order.
Pacemen Andy Bichel, Brad Williams and Nathan Bracken were also named in the squad with Bracken likely to carry the drinks after Simon Katich was retained.
Katich impressed the selectors with his all-round performance against Zimbabwe to keep his spot in the side ahead of Brad Hogg, who was dropped to make way for MacGill. “Simon Katich retains his place in the squad following a solid performance against Zimbabwe and some excellent Pura Cup form,” Hohns said. “Once again Martin Love is unlucky not to be selected, particularly given his recent form, however Simon’s combined ability with bat and ball is appealing. On the whole we think that this is a balanced squad.”
Hodge Hits Record 264 but India Secure Draw
India’s first tour match of Australia ended in a draw yesterday after Victoria’s Brad Hodge pounded the bowlers with a record knock of 264.
Hodge broke Justin Langer’s previous record of 223 for the highest first-class score made against India on Australian soil as Victoria piled on 518 for eight in their first innings before mercifully declaring.
India, who had managed just 266-9 in their first innings, were 116 for two second time round when stumps were drawn on the third and final day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
There were some worrying signs for India’s bowlers as they prepare for next week’s first Test against Australia in Brisbane as Hodge carted them to every part of the ground.
Starting the day unbeaten on 153, Hodge brought up his double hundred before lunch off 330 deliveries. By the time he left, caught by Rahul Dravid off Virender Sehwag, he had batted almost eight and a half hours and hit 39 fours and a six. Victoria coach David Hookes told his players to continue batting because he was upset that India had not declared earlier on the first day, opening up the possibility of a result.
