Quiney Set For Test Debut As Watson Ruled Out

Quiney Set For Test Debut As Watson Ruled Out

Shane Watson has been ruled out of the opening Test and Rob Quiney will play in his place

©REUTERS / Action Images

Rob Quiney is set to make his Test debut for Australia against South Africa on Friday (9th November) after Shane Watson was rueldruled out through injury.

Quiney, 30, was brought into the squad as cover after Watson suffered a calf injury playing for New South Wales, and the Victorian batsman will now become the 429th player to earn his Test cap for Australia.

He scored 85 for Australia A in the recent drawn tour game against the South Africans and his selection caps a remarkable rise to prominence.

He hadn't played for Victoria before the age of 25 and boasts a first-class career record of 3,092 runs at an average of 37.70. However, the last two seasons have seen him average 42.58 and 49.36 respectively and he has made a solid start to the 2012/13 season with Victoria and Australia A.

Quiney is expected to bat at number three in the order when the game gets underway in Brisbane.

Speaking after he was drafted into the squad to cover for Watson, Quiney had said:

"I think I've been fairly consistent in the last 18 to 24 months, so that's something I've been working on. Not such a great start in the Shield stuff for me this year (68 runs in three matches) but it's an opportunity, it comes through timing, and if it does eventuate then I'm hoping to enjoy it, soak it up and do as best I can."

© Cricket World 2012