Cricket Blog

Australia in India, 2008 - The Wildcards (Part 1)

In an explosive Test series like this one, there are always going to be the favourites whom you would depend on getting a mountain of runs or getting bucket loads of wickets. However, I have decided to have a look at the wildcards from both the squads.

Peter Siddle - > Australia -> Fast Bowler

At just 23 years old, Peter Siddle is a future prospect for Australia. In the previous domestic season, he 33 wickets from 5 matches at a measly 15.75 runs a scalp. Siddle maintains that he wants to bowl like Donald whilst maintaining the accuracy of a McGrath. Combine these two qualities, and you have a lethal bowler capable of ripping through the best of attacks in the worst of conditions.

Simon Katich -> Australia -> Batting All rounder

Back into the test team following a successful Caribbean test series, Katich would most likely miss all his matches. However, this is one dependable batsman that Australia may actually do injustice to if he doesn’t get to play. Katich scored the most runs in the 2007-08 Pura cup leading NSW to a first-class title for which he was named the Player of the series and won the Player of the match in the final.

Brad Haddin -> Australia -> Wicket-keeper

Brad Haddin will have to live in the shadow of Adam Gilchrist for the rest of his career. However, this series could be the launchpad that he needs to really come into his own. A dependable wicket-keeper, it will be batting exploits that would make or break his international career. His real test would be facing a rampant Harbhajan Singh or a seriously pissed off Anil Kumble.

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