Australia name WC winning team for Twenty20; Lee is back

Sydney, July 20 (UNI) Australia reposed its faith on the World Cup winning team as its announced its final squad for the Ricky Ponting-led Twenty20 World Championship and upcoming tour of India today.

Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) trimmed down the 30-member preliminary squad to half its size as required by the International Cricket Council.

The only notable inclusion in the team has been Brett Lee, who missed the World Cup due to his ankle injury. Lee replaced champion bowler Glenn McGrath.

Commenting on the squad, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said, ''The NSP had lengthy discussions on improvements to the World Cup winning side, specifically in the context of international Twenty20 cricket.

''We looked at the performances of some of the top domestic Twenty20 players, but ultimately we felt that the World Cup winning side would adapt well and deserved the opportunity to prove that they can perform to the highest standards in both shorter forms of the game.'' On the tough India tour, Hilditch said ''The same squad will go to India, but as we will take 14 on that tour, Brad Haddin is the unfortunate player to miss out on this occasion.'' The chief selector said, ''It's fantastic to have Brett Lee back, fully fit and resuming his spot in the Australian side. He's back to training and raring to go.'' Cricket Australia also announced their 'A' team to Pakistan.

Australia squad for Twenty20 World Cup: Ricky Ponting (Capt), Adam Gilchrist (VC), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.

Australia squad for Tour of India: Ricky Ponting (Capt), Adam Gilchrist (VC), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson UNI