Laughlin, Geeves included in Aus ODI squad

Right arm medium-fast bowlers Ben Laughlin and Brett Geeves have been included in Australia’s squad for the upcoming two Twenty20 Internationals and five one day internationals against South Africa.

Swashbuckling opener David Warner and 35-year old medium-fast bowler Shane Harwood will join the squad only for the Twenty20 Internationals which will both be played at the end of this month after the third Test.

Australia currently has an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Test series.

Meanwhile medium-fast bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have been rested for both the Twenty20 Internationals and the ODIs in keeping with Australia’s rotation policy.

Speaking about the exclusion of Hilfenhaus and Siddle, the Chairman of Australian Selectors, Andrew Hilditch said, “Both Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle are being rested from the South African one-day series as part of their workload management to prepare for their possible inclusion in key upcoming events which include the World Twenty20 and the Ashes.”

26-year old Ben Laughlin, the newest member of the Australian unit, has played just three first-class matches and will be one of the many bowlers Australia will seek to experiment with in the build-up to the 2011 World Cup.

Hilditch lauded Ben’s contribution in the recently-concluded summer adding, “Ben will add to the versatility of the Australian bowling line up as we continue to look at options progressing forward to the 2011 World Cup.”

Brett Geeves, who has played one ODI for Australia against Bangladesh in August 2008, has been drafted into the side on account of his impressive performances in the Australian domestic circuit.

“In addition to his bowling, he is a potentially explosive batsmen and fielder and adds to the versatility of the one-day side. It is a well deserved opportunity for Brett,” said Hilditch.

Harwood, who has represented his country in just one Twenty20 International two years back, will look to seal his spot in the side although he will have just two Twenty20 Internationals to prove his worth. According to Hilditch, Harwood is a “possible option for the World Twenty20.”

Warner, who impressed on his Twenty20 International debut, was not able to grasp his next few opportunities and hence will return back to Australia, with Harwood, after the Twenty20 Internationals.

One-day specialist and left-handed opener Shaun Marsh, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, will not travel to South Africa but Hilditch said that Marsh would return to the squad for the Pakistan tour later this year.

Australia squad for Twenty20 Internationals: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Laughlin, Adam Voges, Cameron White, David Warner, Shane Harwood

**Australia squad for ODIs:**Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Laughlin, Adam Voges, Cameron White