Thirteen-man Australian squad for first four VB Series matches

Cricket Australia today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen the following squad for the first four VB Series matches against India and Zimbabwe.

The squad is:

Commenting on the squad, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "We have opted to go with a 13-man squad for the first four matches as it should provide us with sufficient depth during that period. However, we will monitor this position throughout the series as required," said Hohns.

"Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee who missed the recent one-day series in India have been re-called to the squad following injury.

"That's hard on Brad Williams and Michael Kasprowicz who performed so well in India, but we only have room for so many fast bowlers in the squad.

"Brad and Michael's performances in India were very good and noted by selectors, but it's now up to those in the squad to take their opportunity."

This summer's VB Series begins with a day-night match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday 9 January.

The VB Series, this summer contested by Australia, India and Zimbabwe, involves 12 qualifying matches with each team playing the other two sides four times each.

Following the qualifying matches the top two sides will then contest a best-of-three finals series with matches in Melbourne (Friday 6 February), Sydney (Sunday 8 February) and, if required, Brisbane (Tuesday 10 February).