Australia Turn to old Heads
Australia have gone for experience after including Brad Hogg, Brad Haddin and Brad Hodge in their squad for the World Twenty20 competition in Bangladesh.
The 43-year-old Hogg is set to break a record if he plays in the tournament, as he will become the oldest player to feature in a T20 international, overtaking Kenya's Steve Tikolo.
He helped his cause when he produced a man-of-the-match performance as Perth Scorchers won the Big Bash League title last week.
National selection panel chair, John Inverarity, said of Hogg: "Despite his age, his enthusiasm and fitness are undiminished."
Meanwhile, Hodge, 39, has been included in the squad after impressing in the recent Big Bash League, scoring 219 runs for Melbourne Stars at an average of 36.5.
Haddin was outstanding in Australia's recent reclaiming of The Ashes, producing numerous excellent batting displays as England suffered a humiliating 5-0 series defeat, surprising the pre-tournament betting odds.
The 36-year-old will be the Baggy Greens' wicketkeeper in the tournament, replacing Matt Wade in a squad that also includes regular Test players, Shane Watson, David Warner, and Mitchell Johnson.
Inverarity added: "We have selected a squad that has plenty of experience playing the Twenty20 format in the sub-continent. We have a group with good depth in power hitting and a range of bowling options."
Australia have also included James Faulkner in their squad in the hope that the all-rounder will have recovered from knee surgery in time to take part in the tournament. The inclusion of leg spinner, James Muirhead, surprised some fans who bet on cricket; he has the opportunity to play in his first major international tournament.
The team will be captained by George Bailey, who will be trying to guide Australia to their first World Twenty success.
India won the first tournament in 2007, with Pakistan, England and West Indies prevailing in the last three editions of the competition.
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