Ponting tips Hogg recall for Australia by Cricket Archive Staff Reporter

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Player:	GB Hogg, RT Ponting, MG Johnson, CL White, SR Watson
Event:	Commonwealth Bank Series 2006/07

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DateLine: 9th February 2007

 

He's done little more than carry drinks all series, but veteran spinner Brad Hogg is set to be recalled to the Australian side for Friday's first tri-series final against England at the MCG. Hogg played just one of the eight qualifying games, with Cameron White's allround talents seeing him preferred as the side's spin bowler. However, White's form with the ball has been ordinary and his batting has fallen away, opening the door for Hogg to return to provide the spinning option on Friday. Speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, Australian captain Ricky Ponting hinted that Hogg would be recalled to bowl his left-arm wrist spinners and also suggested injury-plagued allrounder Shane Watson was likely to come into the XI for his first game of the series. If that pair are recalled, White is set to be dropped, while one of the pace bowlers - probably Mitchell Johnson - is likely to be left out as Watson offers another fast bowling option. Ponting conceded the Australians were concerned that they had lacked a strong spin option without Hogg in the side. "The last few games where we haven't taken wickets with the new ball early on, it would have been nice to have that quality spinner through the middle of the innings," Ponting said. "They're the things we have to weigh up overnight and take the conditions into account in the morning. If Hoggy was to play, it would probably be for a fast bowler I'd imagine." Hogg, who turned 36 earlier in the week, has played 90 one-day internationals for 112 wickets at 27.32. Ponting said Australia would delay final selection of its team until Friday morning. He explained they wanted to have a final look at the pitch before settling on their line-up. "The appearance of it looks a little bit darker than the one did the other day - it was quite light and strawy in colour the other day," Ponting said. "This one, right at the moment, looks a little bit darker, which might indicate they've put a little bit of moisture into it. There's not much sun around today, so once again we'll have a look and see how that comes up in the morning."