Australia awaits Haddin's recovery

The Australian Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin>has just a week to confirm his fitness for the upcoming Tests scheduled to be played against Pakistan. He was included among the fourteen men squad along with players like Ben Hilfenhaus and Usman Khawaja who is yet to make his international debut. Haddin was not included in the Australian side in their ongoing tour of the British Isles because of an elbow injury. Haddin will try to recover before 2nd July when the test specialists leave for England. The physio of the Australian side Alex Kountouris stated that Haddin’s availability for the tests will only be decided next week.

Mitchell Johnson will be joining the Australian side after having recovered from his right elbow injury. Kountouris informed that medical staff has cleared him to start the preparations for T20 and Tests to be played against Pakistan.

Usman Khawaja, a left hander from New South Wales, has been included in the side as a reserve batsman after Phillip Hughes has gone through a surgery for his dislocated shoulder, an injury he got in May during his boxing training. The 23-year-old Pakistan-born cricketer Khawaja had scored three centuries in Sheffield Shield tournament last season. If he gets an opportunity to play, he would be the first ever Muslim player to play for Australia.

The chairman of selection board, Andrew Hilditch feels that although Hughes injury is unfortunate but Usman Khawaja may prove to be a good replacement. It is believed that Khawaja has the ability to bat anywhere in the order but for this particular series the team needs a batsman who can be used in the top-order. Hence Steven Smith, who is also a leg spinner, might be preferred if the need arises.

Ben Hilfenhaus, who played his first match of the year 2010 last week, grabbed five wickets for sixty three runs against Sri Lanka A. He is a kind of player well-suited for the conditions in England and for him the series might prove beneficial in preparing for the Ashes series that will take place later this year. Hilditch feels that Hilfenhaus was one of the crucial bowlers of Australian side in the last Ashes and it is nice to have him back in the team with Ashes being just round the corner.

The first Test will commence on 13th July 2010 at Lord’s followed by the second test starting form 21st July in Leeds.