Bevan proves fitness to boost Tasmania

Clarke and Bracken prepare for Blues

Cricinfo staff

November 16, 2006

Simon Katich found some form against England during the tour match © Getty Images

Tasmania face a difficult task in the Ford Ranger Cup game in Hobart on Sunday after the Australia one-day trio of Simon Katich, Michael Clarke and Nathan Bracken were confirmed for New South Wales. The players have returned from Australia's successful Champions Trophy campaign and Clarke and Bracken were today overlooked for the first Ashes squad.

Katich, who made 55 in the second innings against England on Tuesday, will captain a Blues side also including the internationals Brad Haddin, Stuart MacGill and Phil Jaques.

Tasmania have made one change to the side that lost to Victoria at the MCG on Sunday. Ricky Ponting has left the squad to lead Australia in their Ashes preparations and will be replaced by Michael Bevan, who has recovered from a hip problem, while Xavier Doherty, the left-arm spinner, comes in for Dane Anderson.

New South Wales squad Phil Jaques, Simon Katich (capt), Michael Clarke, Dominic Thornely, Aaron O'Brien, Brad Haddin (wk), Daniel Christian, Moises Henriques, Aaron Bird, Nathan Bracken, Doug Bollinger, Stuart MacGill.

Tasmania squad Tim Paine (wk), Michael Di Venuto, Travis Birt, George Bailey, Michael Bevan, Daniel Marsh (capt), Luke Butterworth, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith, Ben Hilfenhaus.

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