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About face on Gilchrist

Source: Herald Sun - November 25, 2005

ADAM Gilchrist was trapped in a selection clash and Mick Lewis and Brad Hodge given their first one-day international caps in another dramatic day of cricketing change yesterday.

Gilchrist agreed to join Glenn McGrath in accepting an offer to be paid to rest from the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series in New Zealand which starts next week.

The move was made at the recommendation of the national selectors who were keen to freshen the duo before next month's Test series against South Africa.

But when the squad was announced last night Gilchrist's name was present and McGrath's was not.

The offer to Gilchrist was withdrawn after CA over-ruled the selectors by claiming the absence of two of Australia's biggest names would damage the credibility of the series.

McGrath, however, was allowed to take the series off.

Gilchrist had to cancel plans to return to Perth and join his family after the third Test against the West Indies in Adelaide and will now join the remainder of the squad on the flight to New Zealand next Wednesday.

A spokesman for CA said last night that Australia had a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the Chappell-Hadlee series but said the details of yesterday's selection process would remain confidential.

Victorian seam bowler Lewis and his state teammate Hodge will make their one-day debuts for Australia after being chosen in a 13-man party.

The selectors want to look at as many fringe candidates as possible before the 2007 World Cup and are also keen to ensure their best senior players remain fresh.

McGrath's absence enabled Australia to promote Lewis, 31, who has taken more than 30 wickets for Victoria in three successive seasons.

Lewis last year won the Bill Lawry Medal for Victoria's best player after taking 38 wickets at 22 and was awarded a national contract.

"Michael has also been a very solid performer for Victoria for a very long time," national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said.

"We have every confidence and faith that he will do a good job for us in the series and he thoroughly deserves his opportunity."

Hodge replaces Damien Martyn who has not recovered from a broken finger and whose international career may be over.

"We have seen what he has done at Test level given the opportunity, and believe he will also do the job in the one-day side," Hohns said

Veteran wrist spinner Brad Hogg has returned to the squad after being injured on the eve of the Super Series match against a World XI, although Australia has retained his replacement, Cameron White.

The continued omission of Matthew Hayden, following his four Test centuries in as many Tests, may mean his one-day international career is over.

Simon Katich has been retained at opener though he will have to keep his form to resist a strong challenge from NSW teammate Phil Jaques.

- ROBERT CRADDOCK and RICHARD EARLE