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Fawad Ahmed named lead Australian spinner

Fawad Ahmed named lead spinner
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Australian selectors give Fawad Ahmed a chance as lead spinner for the limited-overs series in England.

Australian selectors have announced that Pakistan-born leg spinner Fawad Ahmed will join up with the squad for the limited-overs series against England.

The 31-year-old only received his Australian citizenship last month, but impressed selectors as part of the A side that recently toured Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Elsewhere, Steve Smith comes into replace Mitchell Marsh in the batting lineup for the Aussies.

"Fawad Ahmed gets his opportunity as the squad's lead spinner," Reuters quotes chief selector John Inverarity as saying. "He replaces Xavier Doherty, who had that role in the ICC Champions Trophy played in June.

"While Xavier will be disappointed, he remains in strong contention for selection for the tour of India in October.

"Fawad has been a consistent wicket-taker on the Australia A tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. He is a mature and very good leg-spin bowler and the [selectors are] keen to see how he fares in international competition."

England and Australia will meet in six 50-over matches and two T20 internationals following the conclusion of the Test series.

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