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Aus spinner Smith gets call-up for final ODI against Windies

February 16, 2010 16:30 IST

With the series already in their pocket, Australia on Tuesday decided to rest middle-order mainstay Michael Hussey and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz for the final One-dayer against West Indies at the MCG on Friday.

Cricket Australia National Selection Panel also dropped Tim Paine from the squad for the inconsequential match while brining in regular wicket-keeper Brad Haddin in his place.

Young leg-spinning all-rounder Steven Smith won a national call up after a promising Twenty20 debut against Pakistan recently.

The NSP have opted to give Hauritz and Hussey a break from the dead rubber after Australia had already clinched the five-match series against the Caribbeans 3-0.

"With the Commonwealth Bank Series won, the NSP has decided to give Mike Hussey and Nathan Hauritz the final match of series off in order to prepare for the upcoming VB Tour of New Zealand," NSP chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.

"Both Mike and Nathan have been significant contributors to the success of the team this summer and managing their workloads now will ensure they are well-prepared for what lies ahead.

"It's been an exciting season already for Steven Smith and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity in Australia's One-day international squad," he added.

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