McDonald in Australia A squad

Date: Tuesday 25 May 2010

Leicestershire confirmed today that overseas player Andrew McDonald had been selected for the Australian A team series v Sri Lanka A to be played in Queensland, Australia between the dates of June 18 and July 10 2010.

It is likely that Andrew will miss nine of Leicestershire’s t20 games and one Championship match v Worcestershire during that period.

Leicestershire’s Chief Executive David Smith said that the club were obviously delighted for Andrew, given the A team series gives him a chance to stake a claim to add to his four test caps for Australia.

It has however come as a total surprise to Leicestershire that he had been picked for the series.

Smith said:"The news has come just at a time that Andrew was just starting to settle into to county cricket and his knock yesterday of 86 not out had given everyone glimpses of what was to come with both bat and ball.

"The news has caused our Senior Coach Tim Boon and Captain Matthew Hoggard to re-think our t20 strategy and team. But the recent change in work permit criteria makes it almost possible to find an overseas replacement at such short notice."

Smith added he was hopeful that McDonald would play for Leicestershire up to Friday June 22 in the t20 against Lancashire and return to play on Thursday July 15 against Nottinghamshire.

However, the Club is still awaiting confirmation from Cricket Australia of McDonald's required travel dates.