Hauritz may not be played in Melbourne Test

Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz who was included in the squad for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa might not get a place in the playing eleven.

Coach Tim Nielsen said he favoured the idea of playing a spinner, but would not guarantee Hauritz a start until the Australians had assessed the conditions closer to the game.

'It's something we'll look at,' Nielsen was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald.

'I said before in Perth I like the balance of having a spinner in the side, so that's the way I'd be thinking.'

'But it's probably still a little bit early to make that decision yet,' he said.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has not favoured much spin in domestic cricket this season, and Australia are yet to settle on the bowling attack they will play on Boxing Day in a match the home side must win to keep the series alive.

Having failed to defend 413 in the final innings of the first Test in Perth, when the Proteas won by six wickets, Australia must select the attack which will claim 20 wickets.

Australia have the options of playing four fast bowlers in Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and debutant Ben Hilfenhaus, or selecting a traditional attack of three quicks and spinner Hauritz.

All-rounder Shane Watson also provides another option with his fast-medium pace.