Thaindian News

Melbourne, May 5 (ANI): Fast bowler Brett Lee and all-rounder Shane Watson have been included in Australia’s squad for next month’s Twenty20 world championship in England.

Lee and Watson were part of a 15-man squad named on Tuesday, which also included all-rounder Andrew Symonds and explosive opener David Warner.

Lee and Watson are aiming to bowl for the first time at international level on Thursday, when Australia play Pakistan in the Twenty20 game in the United Arab Emirates.

Lee has not bowled for his country since he experienced foot and ankle problems during last year’s Boxing Day Test against South Africa.

Watson played as a batsman in the five one-dayers against Pakistan, but has not bowled competitively since last November, because of stress fractures in his back.

Symonds’ inclusion is a further sign he has been welcomed back to the fold following his injury and discipline woes from last summer.

Australia have plenty of bowling stocks in their squad, through Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle, who were rested from the series against Pakistan, along with Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes and spinner Nathan Hauritz.

The Twenty20 world championships from June 5-21 will serve as a warm-up before Australia’s Ashes tour of England, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson.(ANI)