Bollinger replaces injured Bracken for Australia A series

New South Wales left-arm paceman Douglas Bollinger has been called into the Australia A squad, replacing the injured Nathan Bracken for the remainder of the series against South Africa A.

Bracken was forced out of the first-class series with an ankle injury and returned home to Sydney last night (10 April).

Bollinger will make his Australia A debut if selected. He was a rookie-contracted player with New South Wales this season, and played seven first-class matches after making his state debut against the Queensland Bulls at the Gabba in October.

He was a member of the Blues' Pura Cup and ING Cup winning teams in 2002-03, taking 1-23 in the first-class final against the Bulls at the Gabba, and 1-44 in the domestic limited-overs final against the Western Warriors at the WACA Ground.

The 22-year-old said he was thrilled to receive news of his selection.

"This year has been a fantastic season for me on the field. I have worked pretty hard and the rewards continue to come my way," he said.

"It will be an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Australia A side, and I intend to learn as much as I can from the other players, especially those guys who have recently returned from the World Cup."

South Africa A recorded an eight-wicket victory against Australia A in Hobart yesterday (10 April).

The win brings the limited-over head-to-head battle to 2-1 in Australia A's favour after the home side won the first two matches of the series. Rain caused the abandonment of play in the third match in Melbourne.

Adelaide hosts the next match of the series - a three-day game, starting on Sunday 13 April at the Adelaide Oval.