MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Pace bowler Brett Lee and all rounder Shane Watson have been included in Australia’s squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup in England, despite not having bowled at international level since last year.
Lee and Watson are expected to bowl in Australia’s Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates tomorrow.
Lee has not bowled for Australia since the Boxing Day test against South Africa last December after suffering ankle and foot problems.
“Brett Lee is progressing well and will return to international cricket in Thursday’s … game against Pakistan,” Andrew Hilditch, head of the selection panel, said in a statement.
“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.”
Watson has not bowled since last November due to stress fractures in his back and the 27-year-old has been playing as a specialist batsman only in the one-day series against Pakistan.
“Building up to this selection, Shane Watson has returned to the one-day side and performed extra well with the bat in the series in the UAE,” Hilditch added.
“He’ll return to bowling in Thursday’s game there and adds strength and versatility to the side.”
All rounder Andrew Symonds has also been included after a series of off-field incidents resulted in him being ruled out of contention until his behaviour improved.
“At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best (Twenty20) players in the world.
“In limited opportunities in the UAE he showed … his ability to win games for Australia.”
Explosive opening batsman David Warner has also been named for the June 5-21 tournament to give the team a fast start at the top of the order, Hilditch said.
Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, 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.
