Andrew Hilditch, chairman of selectors of Cricket Australia discussed the selectors' reasoning: "I suppose Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson were competing for the same spot." Hilditch said. "I would class them both as batters who give us quality overs at their best, but on this occasion Shane has been preferred because in the selectors' view he adds great balance to the team."
"Shane was in extremely good form before his minor injury and in addition he gives us quality pace bowling and he's capable of batting anywhere in the top six. We think he's a very good selection for the Ashes tour."
Pundits are now saying that Symonds' test carreer is all but over, although both Hilditch and captain of the Australian team Ricky Ponting have thrown their support behind the big hitting allrounder.
On a personal level, I think the non-selection of Symonds is a mistake, and the reasons given by Hilditch are unjustified. Andrew Symonds has been in fantastic form in the IPL, and will have played more cricket than North, McDonald and Watson leading up to the first test in July. Symonds also adds more balance to the side than any of the three allrounders, plus is one of the finest fielders in world cricket.
Nathan Hauritz is the only spinner in the squad, and with Bryce McGain not having his Cricket Australia contract renewed, it seems Hauritz has booked a permanent spot in the Australian line-up.
The other surprise selection is that of South Australian wicketkeeper Graham Manou, who will travel with the squad as a back up to Brad Haddin.
Australia's 16-man Ashes squad: Ponting (c), M. Clarke (vc), Katich, Hughes, M. Hussey, Haddin, North, Johnson, Lee, Hilfenhaus, Siddle, S. Clark, McDonald, Manou, Hauritz, Watson (if fitness permits)
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