Australia rest key duo

Watson and Clarke handed pre-World Cup break

Last updated: 3rd February 2011  

Australia rest key duo

Clarke: Rested

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Australia have announced that stand-in captain Michael Clarke and in-form opener Shane Watson will be rested for Sunday's final ODI against England.

With the World Cup on the sub-continent less than three weeks away, the duo have been stood down.

That means Cameron White will take over the captaincy, while Adam Voges and Jason Krejza have been added to the squad as cover.

All-rounder Steve Smith and spinner Xavier Doherty will also miss the clash in Perth after suffering injuries.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said: "Michael Clarke and Shane Watson have had a very heavy workload this summer.

"As key players going into the ICC Cricket World Cup, a decision has been made that they will not play in Perth for the final match of this series.

Skilled

"This decision together with the hip muscle injury to Steven Smith has meant that Adam Voges and Jason Krejza have been added to the squad for the last game of the season.

"Jason is a very skilled spinner and more than capable batsman who has already enjoyed international success and we are sure will seize the opportunity.

"Adam is having a very successful Ryobi Cup season for Western Australia and has good all-round skills with bat, ball and in the field.

"Cameron White will assume the captaincy and we are sure given his performance as vice-captain this series and record as captain of Victoria, he will do a fine job in leading this side."

Krejza returns to the Australia side three years, with the spinner having been in the wilderness since being dropped for the Test against South Africa at the WACA in 2008.

"It's the place I got dropped, it's the place I've got picked now, so it's a bit ironic," Krejza said.

"I never gave up hope, I just knew I was going to be a better bowler. I knew I'd have another opportunity and it's come along now, so I'm pretty excited."

Comments (1)

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Jrffrey Ingham says...

it doesn't matter any more.if this is the selectors intention to persist with Prior opening our chances of success are zero.I suggest that the england and wales board pull out of the competition now to save the financial cost and total humiliation of english cricket. I persoally will watch tennis instead.

Posted 09:06 3rd February 2011
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