Australia name squad for Malaysia Tri-Nations

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today named an 18-player squad for the Tri-Nations Tournament being played against India and the West Indies in Malaysia next month.

Glenn McGrath returns to the squad after sitting out of international cricket since January to support his wife Jane during treatment for cancer.

Matthew Hayden has been included in the 18-man squad and will return to one-day international cricket for the first time since the one-day component of last year’s Ashes series.

New South Wales wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been selected following a highly successful Top End Series with Australia A in July.

Adam Gilchrist will continue his training program from home in preparation for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in India, the Ashes series and April 2007’s ICC World Cup. Michael Hussey has been promoted to vice-captain for the tour in Gilchrist’s absence.

NSP Chairman of Selectors, Andrew Hilditch said the 18-man squad was selected with a view to winning Australia’s first international cricket tournament after a long winter break. The squad will reduce from 18 to 14 as the tournament proceeds.

All matches will be played in Kuala Lumpur from September 12–24, with each side playing four matches before the final between the top two sides.

“It is an ideal opportunity to have a look at some younger players and various options for the one-day squad as we move forward into the Australian summer,” Hilditch said.

On the decision to allow Gilchrist to remain home for this tour, Hilditch said:

“Adam is a vital member of the Australian Test and one-day side and performs an extremely demanding role.

“After an extended break following the end of last season it has been decided the best way to prepare him physically and mentally for the upcoming summer of cricket is to allow him to continue his training program at home. We consider this to be an ideal preparation for Adam before the ICC Champions Trophy, the Ashes and the 2007 ICC World Cup.”

On Matthew Hayden’s return to the one-day side, Hilditch said:

“Matthew has been a fantastic Australian player for a long time and has continued to press his claims for a recall. He is still very much in our thoughts for the 2007 ICC World Cup and the one-day component of the Australian summer and this gives him an excellent opportunity to further impress.”

On Glenn McGrath’s return to international cricket, Hilditch said:

“Glenn’s return is an exciting time for Australian cricket. We see this series as an ideal opportunity for him to return to the international cricketing scene and will use it to closely monitor his progress.”

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