Symonds, Lee in Australia World Twenty20 squad

Melbourne, May 5 (PTI) Australia Tuesday named injured
pacer Brett Lee and temperamental all-rounder Andrew Symonds
in its 15-member squad for next month's ICC World Twenty20.

Talking about Lee's inclusion in the squad, Cricket
Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said, "Brett
Lee is progressing well and will return to international
cricket in Thursday's Twenty20 game against Pakistan.

"We expect it will take him a few games to regain his
rhythm after the extended break but the medical and coaching
staff are very confident Brett will be back to his best for
this tournament," he said.

Lee has been out of action after sustaining a foot and
ankle injury against South Africa last December.

Symonds had an indifferent form with the bat ever since
returning to the national side for the one-day series against
Pakistan but Hilditch showed lot of trust in the all-rounder's
ability.

"At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best Twenty20
players in the world. In limited opportunities in the UAE he
showed, during game two, his ability to win games for
Australia. He also adds versatility to our squad," Hilditch
said.

The side also includes all-rounder Shane Watson and
hard-hitting batsmen David Hussey and youngster David Warner.

The bowling line-up is also pretty impressive with
Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Peter Siddle giving Lee
company.

Ricky Ponting will lead the side with Michael Clarke
named vice-captain.

Squad:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain),
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. PTI RSM
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