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In what is the biggest indicator of the Australian squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup so far, the Australian selectors have announced a 13-man squad for the first two matches against South Africa in November.
Notable inclusions include Matthew Wade, who will replace Brad Haddin for the series, while left-handed all-rounder James Faulkner is absent for the games. Mitchell Marsh will take up the all-rounder spot, along with Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson.
“James Faulkner will play some Shield cricket after his T20 commitments against South Africa, allowing Mitch Marsh additional opportunities in Australia’s one-day setup, while Matthew Wade comes in for Brad Haddin who will have a short break,” said Australian selector Rod Marsh.
Watson has been included in the national squad for the first time since injuring himself before the Test series against South Africa earlier this year. Watson made an impressive 83 in the final of the domestic one day cup, which no doubt helped his cause in earning a national recall, though he didn’t bowl in the tournament.
Rod Marsh gave an indication that the selectors have picked this group with a view to who will be in the squad for the World Cup.
“We are continuing to keep a close eye on players we feel could have a significant role to play in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and many of these players have been rewarded with selection in this initial squad to face South Africa.
“At this stage, the squad is only for the first two matches of the series and balances out player preparation for long and short form cricket as we build into a big summer.
“This squad caters for the WACA’s renowned fast and bouncy surface with six pace bowling options.”
Indeed, there is no specialist spinner, with impressive quicks Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson all included, alongside Mitchell Johnson.
Nathan Lyon has been omitted, and Glenn Maxwell will presumably take up the spinning responsibilities.
“Nathan Coulter-Nile has returned from injury after missing the Zimbabwe tour and along with Josh Hazlewood, finished in the top three wicket-takers in the Matador Cup.”
Full Australian squad to play South Africa in first two matches
Michael Clarke (c)
George Bailey (vc)
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Aaron Finch
Josh Hazlewood
Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Marsh
Glenn Maxwell
Kane Richardson
Steve Smith
Matthew Wade
David Warner
Shane Watson
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