Nathan Hauritz has been Australia's most improved player of the past couple of years on the way to becoming the country's leading slow bowler.

Hauritz gained an unlikely second chance at international level in 2008-09, but quickly grew into an offspinner who could mix attack and defence successfully.

He really showed his value last summer when he took 18 wickets in three Tests against Pakistan batsmen who usually cause severe damage to slow bowlers.