Spin bowlers part of extended squad for 2008

White and Bailey head back to the Academy

Cricinfo staff

February 5, 2008

	Cameron White will be a senior member at the Centre of Excellence this winter © Getty Images

Five emerging men have been recalled to the Centre of Excellence as part of the 2008 intake, which includes a string of fringe national players on short-term deals. Cullen Bailey, the Cricket Australia-contracted legspinner, is on a part-time scholarship along with Cameron White and the talented allrounders Andrew McDonald and Luke Butterworth.

Michael Hill, the Australia Under-19 captain, and the Queensland fast bowlers Ben Cutting and Grant Sullivan will return to the facility in Brisbane with Matthew Wade and David Warner after being part of the 2007 set-up. "It will provide them with an excellent opportunity to build on the skills they developed last year and during the recent season," Andrew Hilditch, the national chairman of selectors, said. "There are a lot of players in the part-time squad that have quite a bit of first-class experience and this stint at the Centre of Excellence will help them further their development."

Bailey will get to work with Shane Warne and Terry Jenner, who will operate as guest coaches, as he tries to regain a spot in the South Australia team while the tuition will also be important for White, whose bowling has struggled while his batting has improved. The New South Wales pair of Steven Smith and Stephen O'Keefe join Victoria's Jon Holland in the large group of spinners.

The average age of the 13-man full-time squad is 21.2, which is almost 12 months younger than in 2007, and the 20-week programme begins on April 21. Ryan Broad, the Queensland opener, and the New South Wales allrounder Moises Henriques are also part of the full-time intake.

Full-time scholars Ryan Broad (Qld), Ben Cutting (Qld), Theo Doropolous (WA), Peter Forrest (NSW), Moises Henriques (NSW), Michael Hill (Vic), Greg Moller (Qld), Stephen O'Keefe (NSW), Grant Sullivan (Qld), Matthew Wade (Vic), David Warner (NSW), Usman Khawaja (NSW), Jon Holland (Vic).

Part-time scholars Cullen Bailey (SA), Luke Butterworth (Tas), James Faulkner (Tas), Phillip Hughes (NSW), Andrew McDonald (Vic), James Pattinson (Vic), Steven Smith (NSW), Mark Cameron (NSW), Peter Siddle (Vic), John Hastings (Vic), Cameron White (Vic).

Development scholars Tom Brinsley (SA), Josh Hazelwood (NSW), Mitchell Marsh (WA).

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