Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne has backed the inclusion of fast bowler
Shaun Tait in Australia's World Cup squad, saying his "explosive pace"
would be a huge bonus for the team eyeing a hat-trick of titles in the Caribbean
from next month.
"Just his explosive pace, his versatility, I think also
he's an excellent bowler at the end of the innings," said Warne, who retired
after reclaiming the recent Ashes Test series at home against England.
"He can also bowl the power plays or he can take the new
rock and bowl at 160kmh and take early wickets," he was quoted as saying
by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.
Warne said in the shorter version of the game picking wickets was important
to win and Tait, with his speed, could do that at any stage of the match.
"I think the key to one-day cricket is taking wickets, and when you've
got someone who can bowl that express pace, he can take wickets at any stage
of the game.
"And at the end of the innings, even if he goes for a few, he can still
take wickets and it could be those crucial ones that can turn a game,"
he said.
Warne also voiced approval at the selectors punting on all-rounder Andrew Symonds
in the 15-man squad, despite concerns he may not recover from injury in time
to play the tournament.
On the omission of Clark and all-rounder White, Warne said:
"I was a little bit surprised that Stuart Clark and Cameron White
were left out.
"I thought Cameron White, in that no.7 sort of spot, is a finisher who
can clear the fence, (but also) knock it around so, I was a little bit surprised,"
he said.
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