Home > Cricket > Reuters > Report

Tait to replace Lee in Sri Lanka

Greg Buckle | March 11, 2004 10:45 IST

Uncapped young fast bowler Shaun Tait will replace the injured Brett Lee on Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Thursday.

Tait, 21, bowled with raw pace for Australia A during the 2003-04 season in a first-class match against India and two limited overs games against Zimbabwe.

Shaun TaitThe South Australia right-armer took 33 first-class wickets for the season and in January became the first bowler to take eight wickets in an Australian domestic limited overs match.

"Shaun Tait is a quality young quick who has impressed with his raw pace over the summer," Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a CA statement.

Lee was not selected for Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle this week because of an ankle problem and has been sent home for further treatment.

The 27-year-old New South Wales paceman had the Sri Lankans ducking and weaving to avoid his sheer speed during last year's World Cup. Captain Ricky Ponting had been counting on Lee as a key weapon in the current three-Test series.

SHOCK SELECTION

Hohns told Australian Broadcasting Corp Radio he had telephoned Tait to announce his selection, but the fast bowler did not believe Hohns at first. "He thought I was pulling his leg," Hohns said.

Also Read


Images: India vs Aus 'A'

Brett Lee pulls out of SL tour

Hayden, Warne lead fightback

'Warne must be wary of injury'


Tait told reporters in Adelaide on Thursday: "If I do play, it will be a tough place to start."

"But I think that's a good thing. If you get hardened in your first game, it will hopefully set you up for the rest of your career."

Tait was chosen ahead of the more experienced trio Glenn McGrath, who has struggled to overcome an ankle problem, left-armer Nathan Bracken and Andy Bichel.

"We have selected him specifically as a like-replacement for Brett Lee who was the quickest bowler in our touring line-up," Hohns said in the CA statement.

"Obviously names such as Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath were discussed."

Australia fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz has hurt his shoulder during the first Test although he may return to the bowling crease in Sri Lanka's second innings.


Article Tools
Email this article
Print this article
Write us a letter
Share you comments



Related Stories


Haddin added in Aus squad for SL

Brett Lee pulls out of SL tour

Lee doubtful for first Test



People Who Read This Also Read


Indians lose tour opener

Miandad is a bad loser: Sandhu

Papps leads New Zealand reply








© Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.











Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.