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“Matthew Wade has been omitted due to lack of form”
Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has ousted his fellow partner in crime Matthew Wade to regain his spot in the ODI squad.
Pakistan-born spinner Fawad Ahmed was also axed as he was replaced by Xavier Doherty for Australia’s limited overs tour of India, which will feature a one-off Twenty20 International and seven ODIs.
As a result of the tour, the 14-man squad, which will be led by Michael Clarke, will miss the first round of Sheffield Shield matches, giving them only two four-day matches apiece until the start of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 21.
However, it is possible that Clarke may not even travel with the team as he continues to feel the effects of the recurrence of his back injury.
“After a long tour Michael Clarke’s back condition has flared up again and he has been selected subject to fitness,” John Inverarity, the national selector, said. “He has returned to Australia for further assessment and the national selection panel hopes that it will improve in time for the Indian tour.”
Wade was dropped due to his poor showing in the recent ODI series against England, where he amassed scores of 0, 36 and 0, while also collecting just three dismissals.
According to reports, the national selectors also decided to choose Haddin as he expressed a burning desire to represent Australia in the 2015 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.
“Matthew Wade has been omitted due to lack of form and has been replaced by Brad Haddin, who captured an Ashes series record of dismissals in July and August,” Inverarity said. “Matthew is 25 years of age and has a great deal of natural ability both as a batsman and as a keeper. The NSP is confident that Matthew will regain form and press hard for selection in the not too distant future.”
Wade’s omission could provide an opening for Tasmania wicketkeeper Tim Paine and Queensland’s Chris Hartley to take over his spot in the national team.
Inverarity noted that Ahmed was axed due to the fact that the national selectors want him to play as many Sheffield Shield matches as possible since be may be included in Australia’s Ashes squad.
However, it is more than likely that Nathan Lyon will continue to be the first-choice spinner.
“Fawad bowled well with his limited opportunities in the rain-affected series and better than his figures would suggest,” Inverarity said. “The NSP looks forward to Fawad getting plenty of bowling in the busy domestic schedule that begins at the end of this month.”
Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood and injured opening batsman Shaun Marsh have both been dropped as well, while all-rounder Moises Henriques earned a recall.
There has also been a massive change off the field as well as fielding mentor Steve Rixon will take over as head coach for the tour while Darren Lehmann spends time at home with his family.
“As with the successful tour of the UAE last year we will have Steve Rixon acting as head coach in India,” Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s general manager of team performance, said. “Darren has been on the road and away from home for a considerable amount of time. This is a great opportunity for Darren to refresh, work with the states and provide others with opportunities.”
Australia squad: Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Phillip Hughes, Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-capt), Adam Voges, Brad Haddin (wk), Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.