Birmingham, July 31 (AFP) Australia coach Tim Nielsen hailed England’s sportsmanship in allowing them to bring in reserve wicket-keeper Graham Manou for his Test debut here at Edgbaston yesterday.
Australia suffered a setback shortly before the match started when regular wicket-keeper Brad Haddin sustained a finger injury during the warm-up.
Haddin had been named in the Australia team at the toss and that 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.
This series, which England lead 1-0, has seen some controversial moments with 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.
“To refuse is well within his rights,” Nielsen told reporters. “It was a fine gesture.
–PTI