Injured Lee, Watson named in Australian squad for Twenty20 World Cup

Lee, Watson named for T20 World Cup

MELBOURNE, Australia — Fast bowler Brett Lee and allrounder Shane Watson were named Tuesday in a 15-man Australian squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup in England, though both have yet to test their fitness to bowl at international level.

Lee and Watson are due to play for Australia against Pakistan in a Twenty20 match at the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, the first time in months either will attempt to bowl in an international game.

Lee hasn’t bowled for Australia since he suffered a foot and ankle injury during last year’s Boxing Day test against South Africa at Melbourne. Watson played as a batsman in Australia’s five one-day internationals against Pakistan, but has not bowled since last November because of stress fractures in his back.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Lee’s selection was a necessary risk as Australia prepared for its Ashes test series in England, which immediately follows the June 5 to 21 Twenty20 tournament.

“It’s not ideal, we would’ve liked him to be ahead of where he is, but fitness-wise he looks tremendous,” Hilditch said. “He’s put all the weight back on after playing most of last year a bit underweight, so he’s looking as fit as he could look, all he’s got to do is get bowling under the belt.”

Hilditch said Lee would play in Thursday’s match against Pakistan and return to the Indian Premier League before rejoining the Australian squad.

“We’re very confident by the time that process takes place, which is still four weeks away, that he’ll be back to full fitness,” he said. “But it’s obviously somewhat of a risk and one we’ve taken with long term view as well — it’s also part of his preparation to get ready for the Ashes.”

The Australian squad named Tuesday also includes allrounder Andrew Symonds and dashing opening batsman David Warner.

Symonds’ inclusion is seen as a sign of his full acceptance into the Australian team after disciplinary incidents led to his suspension last summer.

The Australian squad has considerable bowling depth with the inclusion of Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle, who were rested from the recent series against Pakistan, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes and spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), 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.