MEDIA RELEASE

30 January 2012

Australian squad announced for Commonwealth Bank Series

The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced a 14-man squad for the first three games of the Commonwealth Bank Series.

The Commonwealth Bank Series is the tri-nations ODI tournament which will be contested by Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

The Australian squad is:

Michael Clarke (c)

Dan Christian

Xavier Doherty

Peter Forrest

Ryan Harris

David Hussey

Mike Hussey

Brett Lee

Mitchell Marsh

Clint McKay

Ricky Ponting

Mitchell Starc

Matthew Wade

David Warner

Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said the National Selection Panel (NSP) thought it provided a talented mix of experienced and proven performers with young players not yet experienced at international level.

“We want a flying start to the Commonwealth Bank Series against India and Sri Lanka and as always, have selected a group we are confident can win while also keeping an eye on development for the future,” he said.

“Peter Forrest, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Dan Christian and Clint McKay are in form and will have a chance to either prove or further prove themselves on the international stage.

“Brad Haddin has come off a heavy program of Test cricket – the workload for a wicketkeeper/batsman is rigourous and resting him for the start of the series will refresh him for coming international commitments while also giving us a chance to look at Matt Wade at this level.

“We have not at this stage named a vice-captain for the first three games with Brad resting and Shane Watson still unavailable while he completes his recovery from injury, and will assess that position when the squad assembles.

“Peter Forrest, in great form for Queensland and also for his KFC T20 Big Bash League side this summer, comes into the group but will remain available for the PM’s Xl game in Canberra this Friday, where he is vice-captain to Brad Haddin.

“Shaun Marsh is obviously disappointed with his own form in recent weeks and is out of the side but remains in our thinking for the future while he works at state level – as they say, class is permanent but form can be temporary.

“Brett Lee had a terrific Big Bash League and with Ryan Harris provides the squad with the experience at this level that will benefit the broader fast bowling group, while Xavier Doherty’s ability in this format speaks for itself.

“Mitch Marsh will be released from the squad for the first two ODIs to allow him to play in the BUPA Sheffield Shield match against Queensland as part of our planning for him to continue to benefit from long-form experience.”

The Australian squad will assemble in Melbourne on Friday ahead of the Commonwealth Bank Series launch game against India at the MCG on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the NSP has named Queensland leg spinner Cameron Boyce and Victoria’s Meyrick Buchanan to replace injured Nathan Lyon and Kurtis Patterson in the PM’s Xl squad for Friday.

The PM XI’s squad is:

Brad Haddin (c)

Peter Forrest (vc)

Sean Abbott

Cameron Boyce

Meyrick Buchanan

Nathan Coulter-Nile

Ben Cutting

Michael Neser

Wes Robinson

Dean Solway

Adam Voges

Aaron Ayre (12th man)