Fast bowler undergoes fitness tests after long break

Tait back training with Australia

Peter English in Brisbane

May 5, 2008

	Shaun Tait will use the training camp to re-integrate into the Australian squad © Getty Images

The fast bowler Shaun Tait took the first public steps from his self-imposed break due to exhaustion when he joined the Australian Test squad at their training camp in Brisbane. Tait stepped down in January due to the physical and mental strains caused by his recovery from injury and his push to hold a place in the Test side.

He will spend two days with the squad for fitness tests after having a contract meeting with James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, and Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors. Tim Nielsen, the coach, felt the camp was a good opportunity for Tait to re-integrate into the squad after his long absence.

After playing his third Test in Perth, Tait, who had struggled with a long-term elbow problem, took an indefinite break to recover. He retained his national contract when the list was announced in April, but was not considered for either parts of the West Indies tour. It is likely he will return to action with South Australia at the start of next season.

Peter English is the Australasia editor of Cricinfo

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