Pattinson, Warner named in ODI squad

Cricket365
December 31, 2013

Fast bowler James Pattinson and batsmen Shaun Marsh and David Warner have been named in Australia's squad for next month's ODI series against England.

Pattinson and Marsh have recovered from respective back and hamstring injuries endured earlier this year, while Warner has been recalled after being excluded from the limited-overs tour of India in November.

"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," said national selector John Inverarity.

"David has won back his place in the Australia ODI squad with his outstanding recent form. Shaun Marsh and James have been included after being unavailable through injury for the series against India in October."

Batsman Phillip Hughes, Callum Ferguson and Adam Voges and all-rounder Moises Henriques have been dropped, while the veteran Michael Clarke will captain the team again after forgoing the series in India.

"There are three outstanding players in Clarke, Warner and Marsh coming back and we believe their inclusion provides the squad with several batting options," added Inverarity.

"Aaron Finch and Marsh are exciting prospects at the top of the order, with the World Cup only 14 months away. Michael and coach Darren Lehmann will be looking for consistent performances from these players and the other batsmen, who have the potential to impose themselves strongly."

The omissions of Hughes and Voges are particularly questionable. The former was the country's third-highest run-scorer in ODI competition this year, while the latter was fifth.

Phillip and Adam are unlucky to lose their places from the India ODI squad as they have all been in good form. Voges is unlucky as his ODI performances over the past year have been very good," concluded Inverarity.

The first ODI will get underway in Melbourne on 12 January. Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide will host fixtures two, three, four and five respectively. Three Twenty20 Internationals will follow.

<b>Squad:</b> David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey (vice-captain), Brad Haddin (wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.