Warner Recalled To Australia's ODI Squad
In-form batsman David Warner has been recalled to Australia's 14-man One-Day International squad for the first three matches against England, in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
Warner missed Australia recent high-scoring 3-2 ODI series defeat in India, but on the back of 491 runs in the first four Ashes Test, the left-hander is poised to add to his 39 ODI appearances.
He last played for Australia during the Champions Trophy against England in Edgbaston, after which he was suspended for attacking England batsman Joe Root.
Not considered for the tour of India, he subsequently returned for The Ashes Tests and with Australia continuing to prepare for the 2015 World Cup, he is back in contention for a limited overs berth.
Michael Clarke, who also missed the India series with a back injury, returns to lead the side with stand-in captain George Bailey taking his place as vice-captain.
Fast bowler James Pattinson could make his long-awaited return from injury after being named in the squad. He last played an ODI in September 2012 and has been out of action since July with a stress fracture to his lower back.
Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh are back in the squad as Australia try to get a look at their options ahead of the World Cup, meaning Callum Ferguson, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes and Adam Voges miss out.
"We believe this is a well-balanced squad that can build on the promising form displayed in our most recent limited overs series against England and India," Cricket Australia National Selector John Inverarity said.
"David Warner has won back his place in the Australia ODI squad with his outstanding recent form, not least in the domestic Ryobi One-Day Cup competition that was held in September and October in Sydney.
"Michael Clarke, Shaun Marsh and James Pattinson have been included after being unavailable through injury for the series against India in October.
"Phillip Hughes, Adam Voges, Moises Henriques and Callum Ferguson are unlucky to lose their places from the India ODI squad as they have all been in good form. Adam Voges is particularly unlucky as his ODI performances over the past year have been very good.
"There are three outstanding players in Clarke, Warner and Marsh coming back and we believe their inclusion provides the squad with several batting options.
"Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh are exciting prospects at the top of the order with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup only 14 months away. Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann will be looking for consistent performances from these players and the other batsmen who have the potential to impose themselves strongly on matches.
"James Pattinson has worked hard to get back to full fitness and will be looking to regain his best form. His performances will provide a guide to the NSP when it selects the team for the Test tour to South Africa in February and March."
Australia ODI squad: Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey (vice-captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, David Warner, Shane Watson
© Cricket World 2013
