Aussies hail England for keeper gesture by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	GA Manou, BJ Haddin
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 31st July 2009

 

Australia coach Tim Nielsen hailed England's sportsmanship for allowing them to bring in a reserve wicket-keeper Graham Manou for his Test debut here at Edgbaston.

 

The tourists suffered a setback shortly before the match started when regular wicket-keeper Brad Haddin sustained a finger injury during the warm-up.

 

Since Haddin had been named at the toss which meant the tourists had to seek permission from England captain Andrew Strauss to select a specialist replacement in South Australia's Manou for an unexpected Test debut.

 

Considering this series which has had its share of tussles and bitter moments including Australia captain Ricky Ponting all but accusing the home side of time-wasting during the drawn first Test in Cardiff and Strauss under fire for claiming a disputed catch during England's 115-run win at Lord's, the decision could also had been different but England agreed.

 

"To refuse is well within his rights," Nielsen told reporters. "It was a fine gesture. "We used the England team doctor to assess Brad's finger, he was concerned about its stature, the process worked really well and for the game's sake we are now going to have 11 fit blokes on each team."

 

"Haddin has fractured the end of the ring finger on his left hand. He was catching the fast bowlers at the end of the warm up.

 

"Knowing we were batting, he stayed out to catch a few extra balls, one dipped a bit and hit him on the end of the left ring finger. "He's got a fracture in the last part of his finger."

 

Off-spinner Graeme Swann, who took England's only wicket on the first day said that they had no issues in agreeing and they would also like to be shown the same favour if ever in need.

 

"We've got no problem with it, I think it's only fair we let Manou play because we'd hope in a similar situation we'd have the same courtesy shown to us."