West Indies in Australia

[aussie1st]

Here is official confirmation

Justin Langer, the Australian opener, has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies beginning at Hobart on November 17. Langer has not recovered sufficiently from a broken rib sustained after he was hit by Gerard Denton while batting for Western Australia against Victoria in an ING Cup match on October 29.

"It is disappointing to miss a Test match but I have to consider the best interests of the team and whilst I continue pushing so hard to be right, I am not allowing myself to heal," said Langer. "It is different from past injuries in that the bone is actually broken. I need to give it a break and allow it to mend so that I can be ready for the rest of the season."

Langer's unavailability will give Mike Hussey his second chance to make an impact as a Test batsman. Hussey scored 1 and 29 in the first Test at Brisbane. Langer's omission also leaves Australia a senior batsman short with Michael Clarke and Simon Katich struggling for runs in the middle-order. The team for the second Test will be named later this week. Brad Hodge could be drafted in, and Andrew Symonds remains a dark horse after a brilliant century against South Australia.

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/ausvwi/content/story/224485.html

 

[jarl]

Just imagine Hussey and Hodge in the test team :happy

 

[moza1]

Hope Hussey does better this test.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Langer is out, but they are still discussing whether to include Hodge or Symonds for Watson. I hope Symonds.

 

[jarl]

I hope Hodge, it will be like the team i use to choose in ICC 2001

 

[ZexyZahid]

Symonds recently hit a century. So that makes his stake a bit higher.

 

[aussie1st]

Its a tough one for the selectors. Do they give Hodge a well deserved go or give Symonds another go. Both are 30 so age isn't really a factor. Hussey could bowl medium pacers if needed so they won't need another bowled.
Symonds would get in for his batting and the spark he adds to the fielding.

 

[ashu2411]

I think Hodge will come in.

 

[jarl]

Hodge :upray

 

[ashu2411]

Hodge :upray

lol!!!!!

 

[aussie1st]

Symonds :upray

 

[angryangy]

It would be funny if MacGill comes in.

 

[aussie1st]

If MacGill comes in then you can never pick who these selectors will pick. He is the dark horse to come in. Playing 5 bowlers just doesn't sound like the selectors.

 

[ashu2411]

I wont be hoping that really.

 

[ZexyZahid]

MacGill surely deserves a shot. I think they will choose him above Bracken. Unless they come with five bowlers, but I don't see that happening.