Australia's Simon Katich .. dropped from the squad for the second Test against the West Indies. - REUTERS
SYDNEY, (AP):
LIMITED-OVERS specialist Andrew Symonds was recalled to Australia's Test side yesterday for next week's second Test against the West Indies, while selectors dropped out-of-form batsman Simon Katich.
Symonds was called up to replace Shane Watson, who underwent shoulder surgery this week after falling heavily in the field during Australia's crushing 379-run defeat of the West Indies last week.
Symonds has played just two Test matches, both on Australia's tour of Sri Lanka early last year.
He caught the eye of selectors over the weekend by smashing 163 off 183 balls in the first innings of Queensland state's first-class match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
"Symonds has been in red-hot form with the bat and his medium pace and off-spin add a lot of options to the bowling attack," said chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns. "He thoroughly deserves his opportunity at Test level again."
OUTRIGHT ATTACK
Symonds pledged not to curb the attacking batting that earned him his recall.
"They pick you from state sides to play for your country on how you play for your state and that's the way I'll play," Symonds said.
"As soon as you start to try and change things, you get away from your natural game and can run into trouble," he added. "So I'll just bat how I bat."
Middle-order batsman Brad Hodge replaces Katich.
"Simon's form has not been what he expects of himself and we felt it was time to give someone else an opportunity," said Hohns. "Brad Hodge has been a very high-scoring player for Victoria for many years and we believe he can do that at Test level."
Michael Clarke, another middle-order batsman struggling for form, managed to keep his place.
Stuart MacGill also was named in the 13-man squad, again leaving Australia the option of playing two legspinners in Hobart.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne.
