Bracken and Tait back for Sharjah series.
Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait will play in the first game of the Sharjah tournament, says skipper Ricky Ponting. Speaking at the launch of the tour, he said how great it is to have them back. "They are really important to our team. Tait with his pace, and Bracken with his swing and good use of the old ball at the death."
Australia will need to lift their game after struggling to overcome Bangladesh.
"Yes, we really struggled. Our batting has been shocking. Too many terrible shots. But I'm sure they can overcome this bad run."
Australia's first game is against Pakistan on the 11th of November.
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Michael Slater: Hello and welcome to Sharjah for the first game of the Sharjah tournament between Australia and Pakistan. It is very hot here indeed. Touching 45C.
Australia will be looking to step up to the plate after a disappointing tour of Bangladesh just last week. We’ll now go down to Simon O’donnell who is with the 2 captains for the toss of the coin.
SO: Inzaman, you have the coin. Toss away.
RP: Heads!
Match Ref: It is heads!
SO: Ricky, you have won the toss, what are you going to do?
RP: I’m going to have a bat.
SO: What is the reasoning behind this?
RP: Well, it is very very hot and I don’t want our boys to get dehydrated before batting in the 2nd innings. Thus, the reason why I am batting first.
SO: Any changes to your line up?
RP: Pup is in for Marcus North; and Bracko and Tait are back in the side.
SO: Alright, good luck today.
SO: Inzi, what would you have done if you had won the toss?
IH: I would have had a bat. It’s very hot, but I think if we can get a few early wickets, it will be good for us.
SO: You’ll be looking to really put Australia in trouble early.
IH: Yes, they did not have the best series, so I think we are favourites. Although the bookies don’t.
SO: Alright, good luck today.
IH: Thanks.
TG: Ok, the batsmen are ready down on ground level. So lets head straight to the commentary box. Where Shane Warne is with Ian Heally…..