Symonds gets Australia nod

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds impressed during the recent one-day series against Pakistan in the UAE

All-rounder Andrew Symonds has been selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 in England next month.

Symonds, who has just returned to the national set-up following a spell out of the squad due to disciplinary problems, joins Brett Lee in the party, with the paceman’s recent injury problems not counting against him.

Ricky Ponting captains the side, while young opener David Warner and in-form Queenslander Shane Watson are also included.

National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said both Symonds and Lee deserved to be selected for the tournament.

"At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best Twenty20 players in the world," Hilditch said.

"In limited opportunities in the UAE (against Pakistan) he showed, during game two, his ability to win games for Australia. He also adds versatility to our squad.

"Brett Lee is progressing well and will return to international cricket in Thursday's T20 game against Pakistan. We expect it will take him a few games to regain his rhythm after the extended break but the medical and coaching staff are very confident Brett will be back to his best for this tournament."

The Australian selectors are confident Brett Lee will be fit enough to participate

Hilditch said there was an excellent balance in the squad and believes there is enough quality for Australia to win the tournament.

"Building up to this selection, Shane Watson has returned to the one-day side and performed extra well with the bat in the series in the UAE. He'll return to bowling in Thursday's T20 game there and adds strength and versatility to the side," Hilditch said.

"Nathan Hauritz is the specialist spinner in the side. Nathan has made great progress in limited overs cricket to become a regular member of the side during series' in South Africa and the UAE. Spin is having a significant impact on T20 cricket worldwide and Nathan is well placed to play a significant role in this tournament."

"Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle have both had their workloads managed in advance of upcoming international cricket. They are both very important members of the Australian bowling group and their return will add significant strength to the side."

"We've picked a strong batting group with a mix of stroke players and players capable of being very destructive. David Hussey is an important part of our plans and displayed his credentials in the first international T20 against South Africa in South Africa recently. His fielding is sharp and he gives us good overs in T20 cricket."

"David Warner is an example of a player added for his specific skills in T20 cricket and has the ability to give us an explosive start at the top of the order."

Squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson