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McGrath returns to Australia squad

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SYDNEY, Australia -- Experienced fast bowler Glenn McGrath has been rushed back into Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy in India.

McGrath will make his comeback to international cricket in a one-day tournament in Malaysia this month before moving on to India for the Champions Trophy in October and November.

The paceman has not played for his country since January, when he voluntarily stepped down after learning his wife Jane had been diagnosed with cancer.

But with the Ashes test series against England due to start in less than three months, Australia's selectors agreed to bring him back early to ensure he is at full fitness.

"Following extensive discussion between Glenn McGrath, the coach and the selection group, we've decided that the best way for Glenn to make his way back into international cricket is to play international cricket," said Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.

"We believe the combination of the Malaysian tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy is ideal preparation for what will be a huge summer of cricket for Glenn in Australia and overseas."

There were no major surprises in the 14-man Australian squad with selectors choosing a combination of experienced and fringe players pushing for selection in the Ashes squad.

"Australia has been successful in one-day internationals for a long time but we haven't won the ICC Champions Trophy and we've picked a side that we believe is capable of winning it," Hilditch said.

Matthew Hayden, Mark Cosgrove, Dan Cullen, Phil Jacques and Brad Haddin were all dropped from the 18-man squad chosen for the warm-up tournament in Malaysia.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist was recalled after deciding to skip that tournament while all-rounder Shane Watson, who has been plagued by injuries for most of the past year, held his place.

"Shane Watson has had a difficult time with injuries but we see him as a key man in this side. There are plenty of exciting players in the squad and Shane is one of them," said Hilditch."

The preliminary phase of the Champions Trophy begins on October 7 with the group stage starting on October 15. Australia are in Group A with the host-nation, England and a qualifier yet to be decided.

The final will be held on November 5, less than three weeks before the first Ashes test in Brisbane.

Australia squad - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Hogg, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds.

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