Fresh from a record third World Cup victory, Australia's cricket authorities yesterday turned their attention to replacing several retiring stars with young talent.
Four legspinners aiming for the key spot left vacant by Shane Warne's retirement from the Test team were named in Cricket Australia's list of 25 contracted players for the 2007-2008 season.
They are World Cup star Brad Hogg, youngster Dan Cullen, veteran Stuart MacGill and 22-year-old Cullen Bailey, who has claimed 54 wickets in 17 first-class matches at an average of 41.51.
Bailey was one of six new names on the list. The others are batsmen Chris Rogers and Adam Voges, swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus and all-rounders James Hopes and Cameron White.
Glenn McGrath, Warne, Damien Martyn and Justin Langer retired, while seamer Michael Kasprowicz and batsman Simon Katich were cut from the list.
Chief selector Andrew Hilditch said Australia faced a big challenge in the wake of the retirements.
"This list of players still represents a very experienced group but also includes some exciting young talent that will ensure our reign as champions in both Test and one-day cricket can continue," he said.
"The retirement of Shane Warne is a significant issue for Australian cricket," Hilditch said. "While he is obviously irreplaceable, we are pleased that we have experienced spinners in Stuart MacGill, who has a great Test record, and Brad Hogg, who has just finished a highly successful World Cup."
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