McDonald To Lead Australia 'A' Side Against Proteas

McDonald To Lead Australia Side For Tour Game

Andrew McDonald (right) will captain the Australia 'A' side against South Africa

©REUTERS / Action Images

All-rounder Andrew McDonald will captain Australia 'A' when they take on the touring South Africans in a three-day game beginning on 2nd November in Sydney.

Uncapped players Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Davis, Alex Doolan and Rob Quiney are included in the team that will get South Africa's tour off to a testing start.

As well as McDonald, all of whose four Tests came against South Africa, opener Phillip Hughes, wicket-keeper Tim Paine and all-rounder Steve Smith are the players involved who have Test experience although none of the players included are expected to feature in the opening Test in Brisbane.

National Selector John Inverarity said: "The squad for the First Vodafone Test against South Africa to commence on 9 November will be finalised over the weekend and announced on Monday. The NSP does not intend, at the moment, to include any of the players in this Australia A team in the squad for the First Vodafone Test.

"Phillip Hughes, Rob Quiney, Liam Davis and Alex Doolan are four top-order batsmen who have played well recently and will have an opportunity to impress against the formidable South African pace attack.

"Rob Quiney has been very close to receiving recognition for some time and his sound technique and equable temperament should serve him well as an opener.

"Phillip Hughes has been in pleasing form and showing the benefits of his four month uninterrupted spell with Worcestershire and settling in well with his new team, South Australia.

"Andrew McDonald, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques and Alex Doolan have been in sparkling form recently.

"Following the unfortunate shoulder injury to Jon Holland, Glenn Maxwell has been given the responsibility of being the team’s sole spinner. The NSP is very keen for him to develop as a genuine all-rounder.

"John Hastings has made a splendid return from injury, as has Tim Paine, and John will share the new ball with Nathan Coulter-Nile, who impressed with Australia A in England a few months ago, as did Davis. They will be supported by the medium pace of McDonald and Henriques."

Australia A: Andrew McDonald (captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Davis, Alex Doolan, John Hastings, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Rob Quiney, Steve Smith

© Cricket World 2012