Australian selectors name team for Third Test
Test Series :: Australia vs South Africa
Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced the Australian squad for the Third Test
match against South Africa beginning on 2 January 2006 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
There is one change to the squad, with Justin Langer returning to the side, replacing New South Wales
batsman Phil Jaques.
Langer missed the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which Australia won by 184 runs early in the second session
of the final day, with his replacement Jaques scoring two and 28 in his two innings for an average of 15.
| Australian Third Test squad |
| Player | State | Age | Tests |
| Ricky Ponting (captain) | TAS | 31 | 99 |
| Adam Gilchrist (vc) | WA | 34 | 79 |
| Nathan Bracken | NSW | 28 | 5 |
| Matthew Hayden | QLD | 34 | 78 |
| Brad Hodge | VIC | 30 | 4 |
| Mike Hussey | WA | 30 | 5 |
| Justin Langer | WA | 35 | 96 |
| Brett Lee | NSW | 29 | 48 |
| Stuart MacGill | NSW | 34 | 37 |
| Glenn McGrath | NSW | 35 | 118 |
| Andrew Symonds | QLD | 30 | 6 |
| Shane Warne | VIC | 36 | 134 |
But with Langer seemingly recovered from the hamstring strain that he suffered in the First Test at the
WACA Ground in Perth, selectors have opted to recall him immediately for the final match of the series.
Chairman of the NSP Trevor Hohns said: “Justin is back in the squad subject to fitness.”
“It was a logical decision for us to have him back in the team, particularly given his record and seniority
within the group.”
“Phil Jaques is held in high regard and will be on standby should he be required.”
The Australian squad for the KFC International Twenty20 match against South Africa at the Gabba on 9
January 2006 will be announced in due course.
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