12:10pm Wednesday 10th March 2010
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Friends Provident t20 signing Steven Smith has been selected for his first Australian Test tour to New Zealand this month.
Smith, the 20-year-old batsman-legspinner, has been in outstanding form for New South Wales and is seen as a long-term prospect for his country.
The worry for Worcestershire is that his selection may have repercussions in him being allowed by the Australian Board to arrive at New Road because of his busy schedule.
Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said: "Steve has had an excellent Sheffield Shield season, including a big century against Tasmania recently, and of course has already demonstrated his ability to cope with the pressure of international cricket. He adds great flexibility to the squad with his exciting stroke-play, leg-spin bowling and gifted fielding."
Australia squad Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Phillip Hughes, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wkt), Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/trade_directory/