Melbourne, Sept.12 (ANI): The Australian cricket selection committee sprung a spin surprise ahead of the team's tour to India. They picked veteran Victorian leg-spinner Bryce McGain and axed 25-year-old Beau Casson, who was the first choice spinner for the recent tour to the West Indies.
A shocked Casson vowed to return to the international arena following his stunning omission from the Australian squad.
The New South Wales spinner had to make way for the 36-year-old McGain and unheralded Tasmanian and former Blues spinner, Jason Krezja.
"Bryce McGain was the standout leg-spinner at the inter-state level last year and we think he is really well suited to the Indian conditions and bowling plans," said chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.
"His story is a great example of how those who perform at inter-state level will be rewarded. Bryce suffered a minor strain to his right shoulder in India and has been selected for this tour subject to fitness but we are very hopeful of him being fully fit in the near future.
"Jason Krejza had a good season for Tasmania last year but is a selection very much for Indian conditions. The selectors felt right-arm finger spinners would perform well in India and Jason now has a chance to prove himself at the international level"
Casson's state coach Matthew Mott spoke to the young star this afternoon and was pleased to hear he was determined to fight his way back after making his Test debut in the West Indies and playing a minor role in the Australia A tour to India last week.
"He didn't presume anything but everything was telling us he'd be in the squad, he would be inhuman if he wasn't upset," Mott told the age.com.au.
"The feedback from everyone has been that he has done very well, so I don't know what has transpired. But he is very philosophical about it, it's not like he is bitter at all.He will bounce back, he is very young," Mott added.
As expected, all-rounder Andrew Symonds has also been left out of the touring party, with Shane Watson and Simon Katich to battle for the middle-order batting spot.
"Cricket Australia has told us that selectors will be advised once Andrew can be considered again for selection and we hope we can look forward to that advice in due course because as we all know, a fit and fully-committed Andrew Symonds can be a world beater. In the meantime, our advice was that he was not available to be considered for selection this time," said Hilditch.
Victorian paceman Peter Siddle was another surprise addition to the 15-man squad.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Bryce McGain, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle. (ANI)
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