Preliminary Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy announced
The preliminary squad is:
| Name | State | Age |
| Ricky Ponting | TAS | 33 |
| Michael Clarke | NSM | 27 |
| George Bailey | TAS | 25 |
| Doug Bollinger | NSW | 26 |
| Nathan Bracken | NSW | 30 |
| Stuart Clark | NSW | 32 |
| Dan Cullen | SA | 24 |
| Xavier Doherty | TAS | 25 |
| Brett Geeves | TAS | 26 |
| Ryan Harris | QLD | 28 |
| Brad Haddin | NSW | 30 |
| Nathan Hauritz | NSW | 26 |
| Matthew Hayden | QLD | 36 |
| Brad Hodge | VIC | 33 |
| James Hopes | QLD | 29 |
| David Hussey | VIC | 30 |
| Michael Hussey | WA | 33 |
| Phil Jaques | NSW | 29 |
| Mitchell Johnson | QLD | 26 |
| Simon Katich | NSW | 32 |
| Brett Lee | NSW | 31 |
| Shaun Marsh | WA | 25 |
| Ashley Noffke | QLD | 31 |
| Tim Paine | TAS | 23 |
| Luke Ronchi | WA | 27 |
| Andrew Symonds | QLD | 33 |
| Shaun Tait | SA | 25 |
| Adam Voges | WA | 28 |
| Shane Watson | QLD | 27 |
| Cameron White | VIC | 27 |
Commenting on the preliminary squad, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:
“The NSP is very pleased with the squad of 30 selected for the ICC Champions Trophy. It will be trimmed to 15 next month as we finalise our preparation for Australia's defence of the trophy.
“The squad recognises the continued success of the one-day side and its outstanding efforts in the West Indies, together with the strong performance of our young emerging talent in the Ford Ranger Cup.”
“While Australia is clearly in a rebuilding phase, it was very pleasing to see the efforts of the new players in the West Indies and the manner in which the senior players have taken to the role of mentoring their development.
“The squad includes several young spinners, and closer to final selection a decision will be made as to the make-up of the squad and whether a specialist spinner needs to be added to the final 15. Beau Casson is unlucky to miss out after a promising start in Test cricket but needs more exposure in one-day cricket before being considered for Australian selection.
“In recognition of their successful Ford Ranger Cup seasons last year, Xavier Doherty, Ryan Harris, Brett Geeves and Tim Paine are the newcomers to the Australian scene.
“Ben Hilfenhaus was not considered for selection as he recovers from injury, while Shaun Tait has been included as he continues his extensive rehabilitation program to resume playing cricket. Shaun had a significant impact in our World Cup victory and at his best is a formidable weapon in one-day cricket.”
The deadline for submitting the names of the final squad of 15 players for the ICC Champions Trophy is 11 August, 2008.
Note:
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ICC Champions Trophy Fixtures – Australia Group A
Saturday 13 September: Australia v India (Lahore)
Wednesday 17 September: Australia v Pakistan (Rawalpindi)
Sunday 21 September: Australia v West Indies (Karachi)
Semi Finals
Wednesday 24 September: 1st Semi Final (Karachi)
Thursday 25 September: 2nd Semi Final (Rawalpindi)
Final
Sunday 28 September: Final (Lahore)