Aussie reserve wicketkeeper Manou ‘dumbstruck’ in anticipation of Baggy Green

Aussie reserve wicketkeeper Manou ‘dumbstruck’ in anticipation of Baggy GreenEdgbaston, July 31 : Australian reserve wicketkeeper Graham Manou was in awe and expressed delight following his sudden inclusion in the squad for the third Test at Edgbaston.

The 30 year-old wicketkeeper and aggressive right-handed batsman was included in the final squad after first choice keeper Brad Haddin broke his finger while practicing on Thursday.

“I don''t think you can put it into words to be honest. Look, hopefully, I can wear the Baggy Green with absolute pride,” the Herald Sun quoted Manou, as saying.

“Luckily I played last week at Northampton and it was nice to go out there and get some rhythm and just the one game,” he added.

He has now become Australia’s 411th Test cricketer and only the fifth wicketkeeper to be used in an Australian test side in the past two decades.

He also praised England captain Andrew Strauss and the English side for allowing Australia to make the late change in the team.

“I was actually reading the stories in the local papers about sportsmanship and for Andrew Strauss and the English side to allow us to do what we have done is very sporting,” he said.

Manou further said that Haddin’s injury was a big blow to the team which is already under pressure following Lord’s defeat.

“Obviously very disappointed for Brad. His series so far has been outstanding and it is huge loss for us,” he said. (ANI)