Haddin to lead Australia

The Top End series, involving the A teams from four countries - hosts Australia, Pakistan, India and New Zealand - kicks off on Wednesday. The matches will all be played at Darwin and Cairns.

Australia left Chris Rogers and Cullen Bailey out of their final 12 for the opening match against New Zealand A at Darwin on Wednesday. As predicted, Brad Haddin was named as captain with Brad Hodge as his vice-captain.

"The Top End Series will provide a wonderful opportunity for this group of players to demonstrate their talents against some quality opposition," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, who will be at Darwin, said. "We believe we have selected a squad capable of performing in all variations of the game as we undertake one-day, four-day and Twenty20 games over the next month."

"It sort of gives all the boys exposure against the international players and some very handy cricketers," Haddin told AAP. "It's a great opportunity to test ourselves at the next level."

Australia A Brad Haddin (capt/wk), Travis Birt; Mark Cosgrove; Daniel Cullen; Brett Dorey; Ben Hilfenhaus; Brad Hodge, James Hopes; Phil Jaques; Mitchell Johnson; Shaun Tait; Shane Watson.