Hussey to lead Australia A against India

Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) has named the Australia-A squad, that will play against the Indians, in a three-day game beginning at Hobart, on December 19.

Michael Hussey, a Western Australian batsman, will captain the side, which includes representatives from each state, and three Australia A debutants - Paul Rofe and Shaun Tait, from South Australia, and Cameron White, from Victoria.

Trevor Hohns, chairman of the NSP, said the team represented a blend of experience and emerging young talent. "With the Australian side being so successful in recent years, it's difficult for those players on the cusp of selection to break into the national team. The side represents a good mix of senior experience and young talent, and reflects our approach of developing players capable of performing at the international level."

Hohns also added that the selection of Hussey as captain was testament to his impressive start in domestic competitions. He said, "Michael's a highly thought-of player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities with Western Australia in recent months. He's an experienced and talented performer, and is widely respected by his playing peers around the country. He'll no doubt play a role in helping point some of the younger guys in the right direction."

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has announced that the NSP has reviewed its selection criteria for Australia A's limited-overs engagements against India and Zimbabwe in January. The selectors have chosen to adopt a youth policy for the two limited-overs games, with a greater emphasis on developing players for the future.

Squad
1 Michael Hussey (capt), 2 Michael Clarke, 3 Chris Rogers, 4 Martin Love, 5 Brad Hodge, 6 Cameron White, 7 Wade Seccombe, 8 Matthew Nicholson, 9 Damien Wright, 10 Paul Rofe, 11 Shaun Tait