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Marcus North is just hanging on, Phil Hughes and Steve Smith are ready to pounce and Ryan Harris should prepare for the Ashes after Cricket Australia (CA) named a 14-man squad for next week’s two-Test series against New Zealand.
North was under the most pressure to retain his spot in the side for the series starting in Wellington on March 19, but the West Australian is still cashing cheques from his standout efforts against South Africa and England last year.
Hughes is only being viewed as a back-up to the top three in the order – Simon Katich, Shane Watson and skipper Ricky Ponting, while exciting young all-rounder Smith has been included to give him some further experience in the national set-up.
While CA is expecting a tough tussle against the Kiwis, its focus is already on regaining the Ashes later this year.
“The whole team is desperate to get through to the next Ashes to make amends,” chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in Sydney on Wednesday.
“So I think everyone’s feeling the need to perform.
“As far as Marcus is concerned, he had a sensational South African and Ashes tour.
“He’d be disappointed with the last few Test matches and the Shield since then, but we think he deserves to be on the tour.”
Harris is one who has capitalised on his opportunities and is now firmly in Ashes calculations, while Hughes and Smith are waiting for a similar chance.
“We’ve got a few injuries but Ryan Harris has always been in our thoughts as a potential Ashes bowler moving forward,” Hilditch said.
“I’ve always made it clear that we regard Phillip as a very important part of our future and a player who can take part in the next Ashes and many Ashes from there onwards.
“The other one of note is Steve Smith, who is having an exceptional Shield season.
“He gives us great flexibility moving forward.”
While Hughes knows he is still just on the fringe of the Test team, he is thrilled to be back in the squad.
“I’m very excited to be named in this 14 to tour New Zealand,” he said.
“I’ve had a taste of Test cricket and played five Tests and been through the ups and downs in that time in the last 12-18 months.
“So to get on this tour to New Zealand I’m over the moon and really rapt.”
Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.
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