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Cricket Australia’s selectors have named a 13-man Australian squad for the next two One Day matches, with Ricky Ponting dropped after a torrid series.
The matches against Sri Lanka in Hobart on Friday 24 February, and against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday 26 February will see Shane Watson make his long awaited return, while Michael Clarke returns to the captaincy after injury.
Mitchell Starc has also been forced out, with Ryan Harris taking his place, and Peter Forrest retains his place.
Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “The NSP had a telephone link up this morning to select the ODI Squad for the game[s] against Sri Lanka in Hobart on Friday and against India in Sydney on Sunday.
“Ricky Ponting has been dropped from the squad due to his lack of form in the five matches to date in this series. The team will not seem the same without him, but moving on from the omission of players who have been outstanding over a long period of time is the nature of elite sport.
“Ricky’s record speaks for itself. He is one of the truly great performers in the history of Australian ODI cricket, with his reputation enhanced further by him captaining Australia to two World Cup victories.
“Ricky’s contribution goes far beyond his batting statistics and his brilliant fielding. The example he sets in every respect and his extraordinarily positive influence in the dressing-room is acknowledged by all. He is held in the highest possible regard by his team-mates and there is no higher accolade than this.
“Ricky being prepared to take over the captaincy in Michael Clarke’s recent absence for the sake of the team is yet another example of his selfless attitude and team-first focus.
“Ryan Harris has been re-included in the squad with Mitchell Starc making way for his return. Mitchell will benefit greatly from the Tests and the ODIs he has played. His development as a player of the future is most encouraging.
“Shane Watson also comes back into the squad. He is an all-rounder of proven class and the NSP is keen to have him re-join the squad.
“The NSP made the decision that Matthew Wade is now the preferred ODI wicket-keeper for the Australian ODI team. The intention at this stage is to have both Matthew and Brad Haddin in the West Indies together for the duration of the tour,” he said.
Full Australian squad:
Michael Clarke – Captain (NSW)
Shane Watson – Vice-captain (NSW)
Dan Christian (SA)
Xavier Doherty (TAS)
Peter Forrest (QLD)
Ryan Harris (QLD)
Ben Hilfenhaus (TAS)
David Hussey (VIC)
Michael Hussey (WA)
Brett Lee (NSW)
Clint McKay (VIC)
Matthew Wade (VIC)
David Warner (NSW)
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