Sri Lanka in Australia 2004

MacGill told to return from his holidays

Wisden Cricinfo staff

June 24, 2004

Stuart MacGill: from Venice to Darwin © Getty Images

Stuart MacGill has been called up to the Australian Test squad as the replacement for the injured Brad Williams.

Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, today announced that MacGill had been called for after Williams was forced to pull out with a back injury. The selectors had to track MacGill down in Venice, where he is currently on holiday.

MacGill, 33, has been playing for Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship this season, and has taken 25 wickets in nine games. MacGill had taken advantage of a break in the county schedule to escape to Italy, but he has now been summoned back to Australia immediately. The first Test against Sri Lanka starts next Thursday (July 1) at Darwin. MacGill's legspin claimed seven wickets there last year against Bangladesh - and he added ten more scalps in the second Test.

MacGill has played 32 Tests for Australia, taking 152 wickets, but he recently decided not to tour Zimbabwe for moral reasons and was then not originally picked for the squad to take on Sri Lanka.

"It's obvious that we haven't gone for a like replacement for Brad Williams," said Hohns. "But given we already have four fit fast bowlers in the squad, Stuart gives us some added flexibility. He is a proven Test performer and is match-fit, having spent the last few months playing county cricket."

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