ACB announces Test squad for Travelex Tour of South Africa

The Australian Cricket Board has issued invitations to the following players to take part in the Travelex Australian Tour of South Africa 2002.

The South African series starts on 17 February with Australia's three-day match against South Africa A at Potchefstroom. Steve Waugh's team then plays South Africa in the first Test in Johannesburg (22-26 February), followed by a four-day match against South Africa A at Port Elizabeth (1-4 March).

The second Test takes place in Cape Town (8-12 March), and the third in Durban (15-19 March).

Commenting on the squad chosen, Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns said: "We know this series will be a tough assignment as the team is coming off a long summer and South Africa will be looking to improve in front of its home crowds.

"This squad should give us sufficient depth for the three Test matches."

Twenty-year old Tasmanian all-rounder Shane Watson has been included in the Australian squad, gaining national selection for the first time.

Watson, who moved to Tasmania from Queensland in the middle of the 2000-01 domestic season, has been an outstanding performer for the Tigers this year.

Bowling right-arm fast-medium, he has claimed 22 Pura Cup wickets at 23.36, including a haul of 11 in the match against the Queensland Bulls in Hobart during January.

As a batsman, he has also impressed, scoring 292 Pura Cup runs at 29.20 with a highest score of 58 not out.

Watson's fine season to date was rewarded earlier in the year with selection in the Australia A squad that played two one-day internationals against New Zealand and South Africa.

Commenting on Watson's Test squad selection, Hohns said: "Shane is an exciting player who has demonstrated maturity beyond his years while playing for Tasmania. We feel that this tour will help his development as a quality all-rounder.

"He offers us a little bit of variety in the pace-bowling department, and some depth in our batting line-up.

"He is a touch raw-boned but given the chance to be part of this squad, he will return an improved player."

Southern Redbacks captain Darren Lehmann has also been included in the Test squad for the first time since the Fifth Ansett Australia Test against England in 1998-99.

The prolific scoring left-hander leads this season's Pura Cup run-scorers, having amassed 772 runs in seven matches at an average of 64.33.

Hohns commented: "After losing his place in the Test side four years ago, Darren has done everything required of him to be re-considered for selection.

"Since that time he has dominated domestic cricket and fully deserves his chance to represent Australia at the Test level again.

"We took into account his experience and leadership, and felt that he can make a genuine contribution to the touring party."

The Australian selection process for overseas tours has also been overhauled for the South African series, with the captain and vice-captain no longer playing a part in picking the side. Responsibility will now rest solely with the National Selection Panel.

The squad departs for the Travelex Australian Tour of South Africa 2002 on 14 February. The one-day international squad, meanwhile, will be announced in due course.