Spinner Nathan Lyon was yesterday called up to Australia’s one-day squad for their tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, with Ben Cutting, Kane Richardson and Mitchell Marsh also getting the nod.
Test star Lyon has not played a limited overs international since March 2012 but has been working with Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan and was preferred to Xavier Doherty.
“Nathan Lyon has done very well in Test match cricket, but first came under notice through his performances in short form cricket,” said national selector Rod Marsh.
“He bowled well in last year’s (One Day) competition and having not played an ODI since early 2012, the National Selection Panel is keen to see him in action again.”
The one-day series, which gets under way in Harare on August 25, will be the first time Australia has toured Zimbabwe since 2004.
It also signals the start of a busy summer for the national team led by Michael Clarke, which includes a possible 18 ODIs between now and the start of the World Cup in February 2015.
“This tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa is another important step in our preparation for the ICC World Cup early next year,” said Marsh.
“We have introduced a number of players into this squad who provide plenty of options with bat and ball.”
Fast bowler Cutting earned his spot after some good recent form for Australia A while seamer Richardson has benefited from being taken under the wing of Mark Waugh.
All-rounder Marsh was also included in the 14-man squad, but there was no room for Phil Hughes, despite thrashing a double century for Australia A against South Africa A recently. Marsh’s recall comes on the strength of his recent bowling.
“He’s capable of opening the bowling or coming on through the middle overs and can do so with good pace which is pleasing,” Rod Marsh said
