Melbourne, Oct 7 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) Tuesday confirmed that Tasmanian off-spinner Xavier Doherty has been called into the Australian One Day International (ODI) squad for the tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against Pakistan as cover for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh who is continuing to recover from a hamstring injury.
“The team’s medical staff have now confirmed that Mitchell Marsh will not take part in any of the ODI series following his hamstring injury. As selectors we have decided to replace him with Xavier for this component of the tour," said national selector Rod Marsh.
Marsh said the pitch Sunday night during the T20 International turned significantly and there is a strong chance that Australia will encounter these conditions during the rest of the series.
"As such, we have elected to bring Xavier over to Dubai as an extra spinning option. He performed very well for the Hobart Hurricanes in India during the recent Champions League and is an experienced campaigner,” Marsh added.
Doherty will arrive in Dubai Wednesday morning, train with the squad Thursday and be available for selection for the second ODI against Pakistan slated for Friday.