Forgotten Phil Jaques declares he is ready to tour S.Africa

Sydney, Jan.8 (ANI): Forgotten Australian opener Phil Jaques has declared that he is available to return for next month's tour of South Africa.

With Hayden showing no signs of retirement, Jaques, 29, declared his availability for the crunch tour as he tries to return from back surgery on a bulging disc.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the left-hander thinks he has the runs on the board after scoring 108 in his last Test against the West Indies in Barbados last year.

He will play club cricket next week and then return to the first-class scene when NSW play Tasmania in Newcastle on January 30.

If his back shows no signs of more problems, Jaques appears a must-have selection for South Africa after averaging 47 in his 11 Tests.

"I scored 100 in my last Test so hopefully they remember that," Jaques told The Daily Telegraph yesterday. "I think I've got the runs on the board.

Australia will name the one-day and Twenty20 squads today and Hayden surely must exit for younger men. (ANI)