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Australia recall Watson for finals

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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.

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