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Shaun Tait may have discarded the longer forms of the game, but his stamina could be tested after he was called up to the Australian squad for Sunday’s final limited overs match against Pakistan.
Tait, 26, looked a little short of his best while returning figures of 0-54 from 10 overs against Western Australia in a domestic match at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, but it didn’t dissuade chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch from summoning him to Perth.
The decision was hastened by continuing back trouble for Peter Siddle, who was passed fit to play in the fourth match on Friday but again pulled up sore following Australia’s comprehensive victory.
Australia’s management of Siddle must be called into question given he was kept with the squad to fly to Perth, despite complaining of a stiff back, while Doug Bollinger and Shane Watson rested.
Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Siddle was in doubt for the final fixture, forcing Tait’s dash to the WACA ground.
“Peter Siddle is still being troubled by the back pain which kept him out of the third match of the series in Adelaide,” he said.
“As such he is in doubt for tomorrow’s fifth ODI and therefore another fast bowler has been included as a standby player.
“Peter will continue to be monitored over the next week before any decision is made on his availability for the Twenty20 International in Melbourne next Friday.”
Hilditch had little doubt about Tait’s capability.
“Shaun Tait at his best is a destructive fast bowler in both limited-over and T20 cricket,” he said.
“He has progressed well this season … we are sure he will be ready should he be required for tomorrow’s match.”
Australian coach Tim Nielsen had said he did not think Tait’s lack of first-class cricket would adversely affect his chances of selection for national duty.
“I would encourage him never to say never, you never know what will happen further down the track, but at the moment also there’s no need for him to rush those decisions,” he told AAP earlier this month.
“As long as he’s back and playing well enough that he’s putting good performances on the board, his opportunity to play for Australia may well come along in the near future.”
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