Hodge out, new players in Australia squad

Melbourne, Australia:

Australia began rebuilding for the 2011 World Cup by including three young players and leaving out batsman Brad Hodge in a 30-man preliminary squad named on Thursday for the Champions Trophy.

The squad, for the limited-overs tournament in South Africa from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5, must be trimmed to 15 players by Aug. 23.

Tasmania wicketkeeper Tim Paine, Victoria spinner Jon Holland and New South Wales allrounder Moises Henriques were the new faces included.

"The Australian side is currently in a rebuilding phase as we prepare for the 2011 ICC World Cup following the loss of so many important players from the 2007 World Cup-winning team," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

Hodge, 34, has played six tests and 25 one-day internationals for Australia and was recalled to the side for the Twenty20 World Cup in England two months ago, when Australia failed to advance past the first round.

Hodge also played for Kolkata in the IPL Twenty20 tournament this year in South Africa.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Moises Henriques, Ben Hilfenhaus, Jon Holland, James Hopes, Phillip Hughes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew McDonald, Clinton McKay, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.