Zimbabwe Triangular Series: Australia recall Nathan Lyon for ODIs; Philip Hughes misses out
Australia have recalled off-spinner Nathan Lyon to their limited overs side for the triangular ODI series in Zimbabwe, involving South Africa as the third team, that begins on August 25.
"Nathan Lyon has done very well in Test match cricket, but first came under notice through his performances in short form cricket," said national selector Rod Marsh on the offie’s inclusion. Lyon played the last of his two one-day matches, against West Indies, in 2012.
Despite not representing the Kangaroos in colored outfit since then, the 26-year-old has been an integral part of the Test set-up as their first-choice spinner and has 112 wickets to his credit in 33 matches.
"He bowled well in last year's (One Day) Cup competition and having not played an ODI since early 2012, the National Selection Panel is keen to see him in action again," Marsh added.
Besides, the selectors have also included Ben Cutting, who impressed with his numbers in the recently concluded quandrangular A Team tournament at home. Mitchell Marsh, the double centurion against India A in the first of two unofficial Test matches last month, has also been rewarded for his performances.
Double ton not enough for Phil Hughes to make the cut
Phil Hughes, despite a record-breaking 202* against South Africa A recently, failed to make the cut as Michael Clarke’s men begin their preparations for the World Cup 2015 to be held in Oceania. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer Kane Richardson, who has played his only ODI till date against Sri Lanka in 2013, has also managed a comeback.
"This tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa is another important step in our preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup early next year. We have introduced a number of players into this squad who provide plenty of options with bat and ball.
"He's (Mitchell Marsh) capable of opening the bowling or coming on through the middle overs and can do so with good pace which is pleasing. It's the sign of a true all-rounder if they can be in the side for either their bowling or batting and he is certainly getting close to that which is great for Australian cricket.
"We would have loved to pick Phillip but it's quite difficult to find the spot for him with a strong batting line-up," Marsh said.
With David Warner opting to stay back expecting the birth of his child, Australia are more likely to open with Shane Watson and Aaron Finch. Each team plays against each other twice in the round-robin phase. The top two teams qualify for the final scheduled on September 6 at Harare.
Australia squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe
Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wicket-keeper), Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Shane Watson.
Before the tri-series, Zimbabwe and South Africa will compete in a Test (Harare) and 3 ODI matches (all in Bulawayo) in the month of August.
Zimbabwe v South Africa
| Match | Teams | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only Test | Zimbabwe v South Africa | August 9-13 | Harare |
| 1st ODI | Zimbabwe v South Africa | August 17 | Bulawayo |
| 2nd ODI | Zimbabwe v South Africa | August 19 | Bulawayo |
| 3rd ODI | Zimbabwe v South Africa | August 21 | Bulawayo |
Triangular ODI series
| Match | Teams | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Zimbabwe v Australia | August 25 | Harare |
| Match 2 | Australia v South Africa | August 27 | Harare |
| Match 3 | Zimbabwe v South Africa | August 29 | Harare |
| Match 4 | Zimbabwe v Australia | August 31 | Harare |
| Match 5 | Australia v South Africa | September 2 | Harare |
| Match 6 | Zimbabwe v South Africa | September 4 | Harare |
| Final | Team 1 v Team 2 | September 6 | Harare |
All ODI matches are day-games scheduled to start at 9.30 a.m. (local time).