Sydney: Australia brought batsman Aaron Finch back into the one-day squad for the first two internationals against the West Indies next month.
David Hussey made way, paying the price for what the selectors said were ‘concerns’ with the batting performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Australia levelled the series 2-2 in Hobart on Wednesday but struggled against the visitors’ swing bowlers and looked to have been saved by the rain in Sydney last Sunday.
“A top four of [David] Warner, Finch, [Phillip] Hughes and [Michael] Clarke has good balance and the team looks forward to getting better starts than has been the case recently,” said national selector John Inverarity, who unveiled the squad on Friday.
“David Hussey has been dropped from the squad as the NSP [National Selection Panel] keeps a constant eye on the future.”
Inverarity said skipper Clarke was making steady progress with the ankle he twisted last Tuesday in training and should be fit to play the opening game of the series of five on February 1 at the WACA. Perth also hosts the second game two days later.
“James Pattinson came under consideration for this squad but, at the time of the selection meeting, he had not bowled a ball in interstate or international cricket since November 24,” Inverarity said. “It is anticipated that James will go to Perth to practise with the squad.”
The West Indies also take on Australia at Canberra on February 6, at Melbourne two days later and Brisbane on February 13.
Australia ODI squad:
Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, Ben Cutting, Xavier Doherty, Aaron Finch, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
