Watson returns for Symonds; Clark, Tait get the axe

Sydney, Feb 6 (UNI) All-rounder Shane Watson today returned to the Australian team following rehabilitation from injury while Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait received the axe for the finals of the ongoing tri-series against England and New Zealand.

Watson tore a hamstring in a warm-up match during the Ashes and has not played since his man of the match performance in last year's Champions Trophy final.

Watson's inclusion allowed the selectors the luxury of omitting fast bowlers Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait in preference for all-round spinner Brad Hogg.

The National Selection Panel expectedly excluded Andrew Symonds after he tore a bicep tendon in his right shoulder on Friday, ruling him out of the finals and possibly the World Cup.

Clark and Tait will take part in domestic matches for New South Wales and South Australia respectively.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said,''Shane has been given a full medical clearance and has successfully returned to domestic cricket.

We feel the time is now right for him to return to international cricket.'' ''Shane adds a great balance to the Australian one-day side and was an important member of the victorious Australian side at the ICC Champions Trophy. It will be great to see Shane back in Australian colours again,''Hilditch said.

Cricket Australia officials, however, made it clear that both Clark and Tait remained very much in contention for selection in the World Cup squad which will be named at the conclusion of the series.

Australia will face the winner of the England-New Zealand tie being played at Brisbane today.

The finals will be played at MCG, SCG and Adelaide if required.

Australia squad - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

UNI