Speedster Brett Lee and resurgent all-rounder Shane Watson were today named in Australia's Twenty20 world championship squad despite injury clouds over both players.
Speedster Brett Lee and resurgent all-rounder Shane Watson were today named in Australia's Twenty20 world championship squad despite injury clouds over both players.
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Lee has not bowled for Australia since suffering foot and ankle problems in December's Boxing Day Test against South Africa, while stress fractures in his back have prevented Watson from competitive bowling since November.
Both are hoping to return to the international stage on Thursday, when Australia take on Pakistan in a Twenty20 match in the United Arab Emirates.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch was confident the pair would perform with the ball at the world championship in England next month.
"Brett Lee is progressing well," Hilditch said.
"We expect it will take him a few games to regain his rhythm after the extended break, but the medical and coaching staff are very confident Brett will be back to his best for this tournament."
He said Watson added "strength and versatility" to the side.
All-rounder Andrew Symonds and "explosive" opener David Warner were also named in the squad, which will be captained by Ricky Ponting.
"At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best Twenty20 players in the world," said Hilditch.
"In limited opportunities in the UAE he showed, during game two, his ability to win games for Australia. He also adds versatility to our squad."
His inclusion is a further sign he has been welcomed back to the fold following last summer's injury and discipline woes.
The squad features a strong bowling element, with Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle, who were rested from the series against Pakistan, alongside Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes and spinner Nathan Hauritz
Hilditch said the side also had talent with the bat "with a mix of stroke players and players capable of being very destructive".
Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice captain), Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson.
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