Tait handed Aussie recall

Shaun Tait © Getty Images

Shaun Tait has been included in Australia's preliminary 30-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in September alongside new faces Xavier Doherty, Ryan Harris, Brett Geeves and Tim Paine.

For Tait, who took the shock decision to stop playing cricket in January, it marks the first major step of his recovery from the “mental and physical” exhaustion which forced him into his sabbatical.

Uncertainty remains over where exactly the tournament will be held with security concerns in Pakistan, but Australia has named a full-strength squad, while several players have been given a chance to press for inclusion in the final squad.

"Shaun Tait has been included as he continues his extensive rehabilitation program to resume playing cricket,” National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said. “Shaun had a significant impact in our World Cup victory and at his best is a formidable weapon in one-day cricket."

Ricky Ponting, who underwent wrist surgery in Melbourne this week, will captain the squad, providing he is sufficiently recovered, while Michael Clarke will take the vice-captains role.

Matthew Hayden has been named after recovering from an Achilles injury, while Brad Haddin is likely to be first-choice wicketkeeper despite returning home from the West Indies early with a broken finger.

Beau Casson, who made his Test debut in the Caribbean, and Ben Hilfenhaus are the notable omissions.

Casson has been told to improve his one-day form, while Hilfenhaus is recovering from injury.

"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," added Hilditch.

"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."

Australia will have to reduce the squad to 15 by August 11.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, George Bailey, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Dan Cullen, Xavier Doherty, Brett Geeves, Ryan Harris, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Tim Paine, Luke Ronchi, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.