Hodge, Symonds for Windies
SYDNEY: Brad Hodge makes his long-awaited Test debut for Australia while Andrew Symonds is recalled for the first time since March last year in the second Test against West Indies starting in Hobart today (last night Caribbean time). Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he would not finalise his starting 11 until just before the toss but confirmed that both Hodge and all-rounder Symonds would play. Hodge was called into the squad when middle-order batsman Simon Katich was dropped after Australia’s 379-run win in the first Test in Brisbane. The 30-year-old Hodge has been a prolific scorer in first-class cricket for a decade and celebrated his promotion by making 177 against West Indies in a tour game last weekend. Symonds was recalled for just his third Test after Shane Watson dislocated his shoulder in Brisbane, ruling him out for the rest of the summer. West Indies also delayed naming their team until the morning of the match but changes are expected after their thrashing in Brisbane. Injured opener Wavell Hinds has begun batting again in the nets after breaking a finger in the opening tour game against Queensland while all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith pushed their selection chances with strong performances in this week’s clash with Victoria. Skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul admitted his team had not played well in Brisbane but said the tourists were determined to rectify things in Hobart. Latest score: West Indies four for no wicket.
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"Hodge, Symonds for Windies"