Paceman Brett Lee has been recalled in the Australian squad for the World Twenty20 in the West Indies starting April 30.
Lee,33, underwent elbow surgery last year and has not played for his country since the tour of India in October. The pace bowler, who is currently playing for Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League, proved his fitness to selectors.Lee was selected ahead of the in-form Ryan Harris.
“While Brett Lee hasn't played the amount of cricket we would've liked him to in preparation for this World Cup, at his best he is one of the best Twenty20 cricketers in the world,” said Andrew Hilditch, the national selection panel chairman.
“He also has the opportunity of continuing to play in the IPL as preparation for this tournament,” he said.
“We've been preparing hard for this tournament since the last event and we're pleased with the squad's performance in recent games, under the captaincy of Michael Clarke. The squad has a good mix of experience and exciting young talent and is capable, at its best, of playing competitive and entertaining Twenty20 cricket.”
“Ryan Harris is extremely unlucky to miss selection given his strong performances in all forms of the game in recent times for Australia,” Hilditch added.
The squad for the women's World Twenty20 which will be played at the same time was also announced.
Squads:
Men's: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Dirk Nannes, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Women's: Jodie Fields (captain), Alex Blackwell, Jessica Cameron Sarah Elliott, Rene Farrell, Rachael Haynes, Julie Hunter Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Leah Poulton Lisa Sthalekar, Clea Smith, Elyse Villani.
