Jaques, Tait get Ashes headstart
October 16, 2006
FRINGE Australia players Phil Jaques and Shaun Tait have been handed an extra opportunity to press for an Ashes berth in England's tour opener on November 10 in Canberra.
They have been named in the Prime Minster's XI for the Manuka Oval clash with veteran quick Jason Gillespie to lead the youthful outfit.
The team has an array of young talent from one-day international players Cameron White and Mark Cosgrove to little-known ACT swing bowler Adam Ritchard.
"This is an important game for England in the build up to the Ashes series and gives a great platform to some of our younger talented players," national chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.
"Jason Gillespie has been one of Australia's greatest servants in the past decade and many of his finest moments have come against England.
"Apart from Jason we have picked a young side and we hope they display their talents against this high quality international side.
"There are some young players with international experience like Phil Jaques and Mark Cosgrove but we have some exciting young batting talent as well in Shaun Marsh, Travis Birt, Adam Voges and Tim Paine."
Gillespie played in Australia's last Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong in April but is understood to be well down the pecking order for the Ashes series starting November 23 in Brisbane.
"To be the leader of the first side to take on England at the start of what is shaping as a great series is a real privilege and one that I am sure will be a fantastic moment for the team and the Australian public," he said.
AAP