Australia call up George Bailey for Windies ODIs
Twenty20 skipper George Bailey was on Wednesday named in Australia's one-day squad for the West Indies tour and there was a recall for experienced wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: February 29, 2012 10:55 am IST
Twenty20 skipper George Bailey was on Wednesday named in Australia's one-day squad for the West Indies tour and there was a recall for experienced wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
National selector John Inverarity said the pair, along with Nathan Lyon, were the only additions to the squad for the best-of-three tri-nation series finals against either India and Sri Lanka, which begin Sunday.
Neither Bailey nor Lyon, who has played 10 Tests, has yet played one-day internationals for Australia.
"This completes a well-balanced squad and it is anticipated that most players will receive good opportunities to show their worth," Inverarity said.
Haddin's return sees Australia take two keepers on tour, with Matthew Wade, 24, also in the ODI squad, while fiery paceman James Pattinson is able to take his place among the bowlers after recovering from a foot injury.
Australia also named a 13-man Twenty20 squad to face the West Indies, hoping the return of Shane Watson and Mike Hussey brings experience and power to the batting line-up.
"If we were to select our best T20 team to play next week the top seven in order would be Watson, (David) Warner, Mike Hussey, David Hussey, Bailey, Wade and (Dan) Christian," Inverarity said.
"Hence, there was simply no room on this occasion for Shaun Marsh, Travis Birt and Aaron Finch. Though Peter Forrest is in the T20 squad, it is not anticipated he will be in the team and is there as back-up."
Selectors said while Brad Hogg was not considered for the tour, he was in strong contention for Australia's ICC World Twenty20 squad for the tournament in Sri Lanka later this year, which is likely to include three spin bowlers.
Mitchell Starc has not been selected but Inverarity said he would travel as a further development opportunity.
Australia play five ODIs against the West Indies, beginning with a match on March 16 at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St Vincent. There are two Twenty20 games on March 27 and 30 in St Lucia and Barbados.
ODI squad - Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), George Bailey, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Nathan Lyon, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
T20 squad - George Bailey (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Nathan Lyon, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.