20 November, 2009
NSW all-rounder Steven Smith will get his chance to impress on the big stage after he was selected in Australia's Twenty20 squad for Sunday night's exhibition match against an ACA All-Star Team at the Gabba.
The 20-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the 2008 Big Bash and recently played a key role in the Blues' Twenty 20 Champions League success.
NSW team-mate Michael Clarke will captain the side which also features batting powerhouse David Warner and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Victoria is well represented with Cameron White, David Hussey, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay and Peter Siddle, while Tasmania's George Bailey, WA's Adam Voges and SA fast bowler Shaun Tait are also in the squad.
The All Star team will be captained by Shane Warne and also features fellow retirees Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath.
"In selecting the team we have not considered any of the Test players who have been heavily involved in the recent one-day campaign in India to allow them to prepare for the first Test," NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
"The side does however feature Michael Clarke in his first Twenty20 game since being named captain, Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle as these players have not had the same amount of cricket as the other Test players leading into Brisbane."
"While the emphasis will be on entertainment, the NSP sees the game as a great opportunity to continue our preparation for the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies next year."
"We have introduced into the side Steven Smith, an exciting leg-spinning all rounder, who we see as having the potential to really impact in Twenty20 cricket at the international level."
"George Bailey has also joined the Australian squad following a fantastic start to the Australian summer."
"In the fast bowling area Clint McKay really impressed in the tour of India and has a game well suited to Twenty20 cricket while the match also sees the return of Shaun Tait who at his best is a very powerful weapon, particularly in Twenty20 and one-day cricket."
ACA president Darren Lehmann was delighted to have former greats commit to the match.
"We are honoured that four legends of the game in Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath have made themselves available and have no doubt they will shine for the All Stars," he said.
"Six of our team members Harris, Carseldine, Reardon, Lockyear, Manou and Krejza were selected in the 2008-09 All Star team for the Big Bash as voted for by the players."
"For our best State players, participating in the All Stars clash is not only reward for their outstanding performances last year, but also a rare opportunity to play with the greats of our game and showcase their wares on the big stage."
"Queensland's Nathan Rimmington has been added to the team on the back of his performances in the Ford Ranger one-day and KFC Twenty20 competitions last season and also in recognition of his form to date this season."
"Taking on an Australian XI is no easy task, but the All Stars team is ready for the challenge."
Both teams will be allowed 12 players however only 11 will bat and 11 are available to bowl.
Australia
Michael Clarke (c), Cameron White (vc), George Bailey, Brad Haddin, David Hussey
Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, David Warner
All Star Team
Shane Warne (c), Travis Birt, Lee Carseldine, Adam Gilchrist, Daniel Harris, Matthew Hayden, Jason Krejza, Rhett Lockyear, Graham Manou, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Reardon, Nathan