Alex Doolan called up to Australian squad
Doolan is expected to be available if Shane Watson is ruled out after suffering a groin strain.
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia on Monday added batsman Alex Doolan to their squad ahead of the final Ashes Test against England as doubts remained over the fitness of some players.
Cricket Australia said the Tasmanian was the only addition to the squad which is leading the series 4-0 and firm favourite to win the fifth Test starting Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Doolan is expected to be available if all-rounder Shane Watson is ruled out after suffering a groin strain during the fourth Test win in Melbourne. Fast bowler Ryan Harris is also battling chronic knee soreness.
"With some players still being assessed by our medical team after four demanding Tests, we have decided to add Alex to ensure we have sufficient cover in our batting line-up should it be required," national selector John Inverarity said.
"Alex is a talented player who came under strong consideration for selection ahead of the Ashes series after a string of solid performances in four-day cricket for Tasmania at the start of this season, but also after an excellent finish to last season."
Despite the call-up, bowling coach Craig McDermott predicted no changes to the attack for the fifth Test.
"I fully expect we'll have the same team, or the same bowling group in Sydney," he said.
"I'm very confident that will happen. Watto proved that (fitness) yesterday -- he ran between wickets pretty well."
In the only other squad change, paceman Doug Bollinger has been released to play in the domestic Twenty20 competition.
Inverarity said the selection panel felt there was sufficient cover for Bollinger with James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile also in the squad.
