Symonds out as Australia name Ashes squad

Andrew Symonds has been left out of Australia’s Ashes touring party – despite captain Ricky Ponting dropping a heavy hint that he would be included just 24 hours previously.

Instead, the Australia selectors named Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald as the all-rounders in the 16-man squad. The door may not be fully closed on Symonds, however, as Watson, who has missed the IPL with his latest injury, must take a fitness test before the tour.

After a year of shuffling their spin options, following the retirements of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill, Australia have plumped for Nathan Hauritz as the only specialist slow bowler.

Hauritz is one of 11 players making their first Ashes tour.

South Australia wicketkeeper Graham Manou is the only uncapped player.

Just 24 hours before the squad was announced, Ponting had said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if [Symonds] is named. He’s worked his way back into domestic cricket pretty well and played well for us over in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There’s no doubt about that and obviously the selectors are going to have some tough decisions to make in the coming hours.”

The five-Test Ashes series starts in Cardiff on 8 July.

 

The squad R Ponting (c), M Clarke (vc), S Clark, B Haddin, N Hauritz, B Hilfenhaus, P Hughes, M Hussey, M Johnson, S Katich, B Lee, G Manou, A McDonald, M North, P Siddle, S Watson.