SYDNEY - Seamer Josh Hazlewood was one of six speedsters named Wednesday in Australia's initial one-day squad against world number one South Africa in November, as selectors look to the 2015 World Cup on home soil.
The 23-year-old, who has played only two ODIs for Australia and has struggled with injuries, has earnt rave early season reviews for New South Wales. "We are continuing to keep a close eye on players we feel could have a significant role to play in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and many of these players have been rewarded with selection," said national selector Rod Marsh. "At this stage, the squad is only for the first two matches of the series and balances out player preparation for long and short form cricket as we build into a big summer."
Ashes avenger Mitchell Johnson leads the six quicks in Australia's 13-man lineup, but there is no specialist spinner for the two games on the fast and bouncy WACA track. "Nathan Coulter-Nile has returned from injury after missing the Zimbabwe tour and along with Josh Hazlewood, finished in the top three wicket-takers in the (domestic) Matador Cup," he said. Mitchell Starc and James Faulkner, who were in the side that won the ODI series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, have been left out of the initial squad to face South Africa.
Wicket keeper Matthew Wade was called in to replace Brad Haddin who will be rested following the UAE tour. Australia are expected to include only one keeper in their 15-man squad for the World Cup, which gets underway on February 14, and selector Trevor Hohns suggested Test vice-captain Haddin remains first choice. "I've got the opportunity to play two more games for Australia and then Hadds will probably come back so I'll just take it for what it is," said 26-year-old Wade.
Selector Marsh also praised the batting lineup. "It has great balance with the likes of David Warner, Aaron Finch and Shane Watson at the top of the order complemented by players such as Michael Clarke, George Bailey and Steve Smith." Clarke, who missed the ODI whitewash of Pakistan with back problems, returns as captain while all-rounder Shane Watson has also been included at the expense of Phil Hughes.
Before the ODI series, South Africa first play three Twenty20 games against Australia on November 5, 7 and 9 after a warm-up against a Cricket Australia XI on Friday at North Sydney Oval. Australian squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.
ODI FIXTURES:
Nov 14    Ist ODI    Perth
Nov 16    2nd ODI    Perth
Nov 19    3rd ODI    Canberra
Nov 21    4th    ODI    Melbourne
Nov 23    5th ODI    Sydney