BRAD Haddin and Peter Siddle have been drafted into Australia’s squad for next Sunday’s Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Perth after both recovered from injury.
Siddle has been sidelined with a back injury since February but returns to the 12-man squad, while Haddin’s return from an elbow problem means Tim Paine drops out, with Mike Hussey and Mitchell Johnson rested with the forthcoming Ashes series in mind.
Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of the national selectors panel, said: “It’s exciting to see the return of Peter Siddle and Brad Haddin into international cricket as part of this squad for the Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka on Sunday.”
He added: “Peter is a key bowler in all forms of the game and has made a return from injury and is now ready to take his place in this Australia Twenty20 squad.
“It is unfortunate for Tim Paine, having played so well for Australia recently, to miss out on this squad but Brad has made a very good recovery from his elbow injury and is an established member of our side in all forms of the game.
“The squad also sees some of our best young talent continuing to increase their international experience and exposure.
Players like Steve Smith, Stephen O’Keefe and John Hastings all have exciting all-round skills for Twenty20 cricket and it will be great to see them against a very strong Sri Lanka squad.
“In continuing the NSP’s policy of preparing some of our senior Australian players ahead of Ashes selection, Mike Hussey and Mitchell Johnson were not considered for this match but will be available for selection in Interstate cricket
. The Sheffield Shield match between WA and South Australia begins on October 29.”
Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, David Hussey, Clint McKay, Dirk Nannes, Stephen O’Keefe, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.(Eurosport).