Twenty20 skipper George Bailey was Wednesday named in Australia’s one-day squad for the West Indies tour and there was a recall for experienced wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. National selector John Inverarity said the pair, along with Nathan Lyon, were also the only additions to the squad for the best-of-three tri-nation series finals against either India and Sri Lanka, which begin Sunday.
Neither Bailey nor Lyon, who has played 10 Tests, have played one-day internationals for Australia. “This completes a well-balanced squad and it is anticipated that most players will receive good opportunities to show their worth,” Inverarity said. Bailey, 29, said it was still difficult to think of a team without former skipper Ricky Ponting, who has been dropped from the ODI side due to poor form, but added he was confident he had earned a place in the squad. “I feel like I’m playing my best cricket so I don’t go in with any doubts about my own game,” Bailey said.
Haddin’s return sees Australia take two wicketkeepers on tour, with Matthew Wade, 24, also in the ODI squad, while fiery paceman James Pattinson is able to take his place among the bowlers after recovering from a foot injury.
Australia had been expected to include both glovemen on the tour, and Inverarity said the friendly rivalry between them would be healthy. “At this moment, Brad is our Test wicketkeeper,” Inverarity said, adding that a strong showing from Wade could bring him into contention.
But Wade played down any talk of rivalry between him and the more senior player, saying he was hoping to learn from Haddin. “I’m just starting international cricket and he’s been playing for a long time… I’m going to be looking to learn off him, I’d be stupid not to,” Wade said.
Australia also named a 13-man Twenty20 squad to face the West Indies, hoping the return of Shane Watson and Mike Hussey brings experience and power to the batting line-up.
“If we were to select our best T20 team to play next week the top seven in order would be Watson, (David) Warner, Mike Hussey, David Hussey, Bailey, Wade and (Dan) Christian,” Inverarity said.
“Hence, there was simply no room on this occasion for Shaun Marsh, Travis Birt and Aaron Finch. Though Peter Forrest is in the T20 squad, it is not anticipated he will be in the team and is there as back-up.”
ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), George Bailey, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Nathan Lyon, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
T20 squad – George Bailey (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Nathan Lyon, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
