Voges in for Australia

8 December 2006

Adam Voges © Getty Images

Australia have called up uncapped batsman Adam Voges and all-rounder Andrew Symonds to their squad for the third Ashes Test following the shock retirement of Damien Martyn on Friday.

Martyn sent a letter to Cricket Australia informing them of his decision to retire from all cricket just three days after celebrating one of Australia's great Test victories over England at the Adelaide Oval.

Martyn had been under pressure for his place after just 45 runs in three innings during the series, but was still expected to retain his spot in the squad for his home Test at the WACA.

His sudden retirement forced the selectors into a rethink and they called on 27-year-old Western Australian batsman Voges and recall Symonds in place of fast bowler Shaun Tait to increase their options.

"The retirement of Damien Martyn has given the selectors an opportunity to look at some of the fantastic young players who are emerging in Australia at the present time," explained chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.

"This was not an easy decision as there are many players pushing for selection, which augurs well for the future of Australian cricket."

Voges has enjoyed a fine start to the summer, scoring two centuries and 320 runs at an average of 160 in his three matches in domestic cricket, and also holds the record for the fastest century in the history of the domestic one-day competition off just 62 balls.

All-rounder Shane Watson, who would have been selected for the opening two Tests, was again unable to be considered because of the hamstring strain he has struggled to shake off.