• Tools:
• Save |
• Print |
• E-mail |
• Most Popular |

Australia recall Watson for finals

Adjust font size:

SYDNEY, Australia -- All-rounder Shane Watson has been recalled to the Australian team for the tri-series one-day international finals, as a replacement for the injured Andrew Symonds.

Watson has not played for Australia since his man-of-the-match performance in last year's Champions Trophy final, but was rushed back into a 13-man squad after Symonds tore a bicep tendon in his right shoulder on Friday.

Andrew Hilditch, Australia's chairman of selectors, said Watson, who was picked for the Ashes test series before tearing a hamstring in a warm-up match, had proven he was fit enough to resume playing.

"Shane has been given a full medical clearance and has successfully returned to domestic cricket. We feel the time is now right for him to return to international cricket," Hilditch said.

"Shane adds a great balance to the Australian one-day side and was an important member of the victorious Australian side at the ICC Champions Trophy."

Luxury

Watson's inclusion allowed the selectors the luxury of omitting fast bowlers Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait in preference for all-round spinner Brad Hogg, though both pacemen remain in contention for the 15-man World Cup squad.

"With Shane Watson returning to the side there is no need to continue with five specialist fast bowlers in the squad," Hilditch said.

Victorian top-order batsman Brad Hodge held on to his place after making an unbeaten 99 in Australia's win over New Zealand in Melbourne on Sunday.

After the best-of-three finals series Australia will announce their World Cup squad before next week's ICC deadline.

Australia tri-series finals squad - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• Conservatives question Palin
• Facebook reveals new UK spy chief
• McNair's death ruled homicide
• Rural China in 'Green' revolution
• Ousted Honduran leader: Jet denied

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan

• Recruiting suicide bombers (2:50)
• London was lucky (2:36)
• Cars in London rigged as bombs (3:48)
• Second explosives-packed car foun (2:32)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)