Romeo
26 Jul 2006, 14:11
Buchanan plays down openers' duel
Australian cricket coach John Buchanan has rejected speculation that Justin Langer's place in the Test team is under threat from rival opener Phil Jacques.
Jacques has been in excellent form for Australia A, while Langer answered with a triple century for English county side Somerset last week.
But Buchanan yesterday played down suggestions the openers were duelling for the right to partner Matthew Hayden, saying Langer would be in the forefront of the selectors' minds come November when Australia takes on England in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.
"I think it's probably made more by everybody else rather than Justin or Phil," Buchanan said.
"Right at this stage, I'm sure from a selection point of view that when we have a view to the Ashes at least, that Justin and Matthew Hayden are firmly fixed in the selectors' minds."
Meanwhile, paceman Glenn McGrath will meet Buchanan today to plan his return to cricket.
McGrath has not played a match since January, after his wife was re-diagnosed with breast cancer.
Today's talks will aim to work out how McGrath can return to the Test team in time for the Ashes series against England
Australian cricket coach John Buchanan has rejected speculation that Justin Langer's place in the Test team is under threat from rival opener Phil Jacques.
Jacques has been in excellent form for Australia A, while Langer answered with a triple century for English county side Somerset last week.
But Buchanan yesterday played down suggestions the openers were duelling for the right to partner Matthew Hayden, saying Langer would be in the forefront of the selectors' minds come November when Australia takes on England in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.
"I think it's probably made more by everybody else rather than Justin or Phil," Buchanan said.
"Right at this stage, I'm sure from a selection point of view that when we have a view to the Ashes at least, that Justin and Matthew Hayden are firmly fixed in the selectors' minds."
Meanwhile, paceman Glenn McGrath will meet Buchanan today to plan his return to cricket.
McGrath has not played a match since January, after his wife was re-diagnosed with breast cancer.
Today's talks will aim to work out how McGrath can return to the Test team in time for the Ashes series against England