Profile: Shaun Tait had the most challenging of Test debuts, coming in to the Australia team for the out-of-form but distinguished Jason Gillespie during what many observers regard as the most competitively-fought Ashes series of all time. The young fast bowler, though, did not suffer through nerves and was able to return the impressive figures of 3-97 in his first Test innings. Moreover, those three wickets were not cheap, as he bowled Marcus Trescothick, had Ian Bell caught behind and trapped Andrew Flintoff lbw after he had scored a match-winning 102. Has suffered through a couple of injuries since but his express pace provides hope that Brett Lee will not be the only speed merchant amongst Australia’s ranks for the foreseeable future. Claimed 23 wickets at the 2007 World Cup, when Lee was absent with injury.

Full Name: Shaun William Tait.

Birthday: February 23, 1983.

Birthplace: Adelaide, South Australia.

Star Sign: Pisces.

Height: 6ft 4 in

Nickname: Sloon.

Residence: Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Family: Brother, Jarrad; Girlfriend, Amber.

Education: Oakbank Area School (Grade 12) South Australia.

Teams: South Australia, Australia, Durham (2004).

Position: Right-arm Fast Bowler; Right-hand bat.

Fielding Position: Anywhere, usually fine leg or mid-off/on.

Test Debut: Vs England at Nottingham, August 2005.

Highest Test Score:  4 Vs England at Nottingham, August 2005.

Best Test Bowling: 3-97 Vs England at Nottingham, August 2005.

ODI Debut:  Vs England, Sydney, 2006-07

Highest Score: 11 Vs England, Sydney, 2006-07

Best Bowling: 4-39 Vs South Africa, St. Lucia, 2007 World Cup semi-final