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Rediff.com  » Sports » Australia recall Lee, Hogg

Australia recall Lee, Hogg

January 15, 2004 09:21 IST
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Australia have recalled paceman Brett Lee and spinner Brad Hogg for Friday's triangular series one-day match against Zimbabwe in Hobart.

Lee and Hogg, members of last year's World Cup-winning side, were overlooked for Australia's opening two matches of the tri-series. They will replace fast bowler Jason Gillespie and all-rounder Ian Harvey, who are rested.

Australia began the series with an 18-run win over India before crushing Zimbabwe by 99 runs. India scored their first victory by beating the Africans by seven wickets at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Wednesday.

"He (Lee) probably wasn't (bowling well) a couple of weeks ago and that's why we decided to give him a rest," Australia captain Ricky Ponting told a news conference in Hobart on Thursday.

"I think he was a bit tired, which was hindering the way he could bowl and the way he could perform, so we've given him a bit of time to recover and I'm sure you'll see him perform better over the next couple of weeks."

Lee, 27, missed the first two matches of the drawn four-Test series against India because of an ankle injury. The 27-year-old took eight wickets at an average of 59.5 in the final two Tests in Melbourne in December and Sydney earlier this month.

One of the world's fastest bowlers, Lee appeared to lack rhythm and his length was often too short or too full, drawing heavy media criticism including career advice from former Australia paceman Jeff Thomson.

Thomson told local newspapers on Thursday: "I like Brett but I think there have been a lot of excuses made for him.

"I just think he has to become a smarter bowler and put the ball in areas which are going to get wicketsÂ… It is time for him to shape up."

Australia team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Bevan, Brad Hogg, Andy Bichel, Brett Lee, Brad Williams.

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Source: REUTERS
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