Shaun Tait bowled with plenty of gas in the Big Bash League, taking 10 wickets in eight matches © Getty Images
Fast bowler Shaun Tait had planned to spend Australia day with a few beers at Port Elliot in South Australia, but is now in the selection mix for the T20s against India starting January 26 at the Adelaide Oval, after getting his first international call-up in five years.
“Like I said on the social media, I was going to a pub to have a few beers at Port Elliot,” Tait said. “That’s probably the second place, this is probably the first place (with the Australia team) I would rather be.”
Tait, who further joked that his old Australia shirt had got loose and doesn’t fit him, lends pace and firepower to a bowling group hit by injuries and the retirement of Mitchell Johnson. Pat Cummins (back), Nathan Coulter-Nile (shoulder) and James Pattinson (shin) have joined Mitchell Starc (ankle) on the injury list.
Having last played an international match in 2011, Tait admitted that some injuries and good fortune paved way for his comeback, and termed it a privilege to be called up at this stage of his career.
“It was a nice phone call the other day from Rod [Marsh],” he said. “Very pleased… It is quite special actually. Even if it is one game or two games or three games or whatever it is, or if it is more than that, fantastic.
“I suppose I feel pretty privileged, honestly, to be called in at this stage of my career. And obviously with a few injuries around, it has been timing and probably a little bit lucky. But you go through a career, you have bad luck and good luck. This is a good luck one for me and I will take it.”
Tait also reckoned that his Big Bash stint with new franchise Hobart Hurricanes, for whom he played all eight matches taking 10 wickets at 24.70, held him in good stead. Tait’s economy rate was nearly eight an over, but he often hit speeds north of 150kph and troubled the opposition.
“Hobart is pretty easy going and suits me a fair bit. Not saying Adelaide doesn’t. I just had a good time…I just felt really good through the tournament. I didn’t do anything different. I was not in any better shape to any other year. I was just injury free.
“I am going to try and play as long as I can. That’s for sure. Whether it is for one year or four years, I don’t know. And things work in your favour, in same games I have been whacked for 50 but I probably had enough consistent games of decent form to be picked.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo