Warner, Clarke returns strengthen Australia ODI squad

Australia recalled Ashes destroyer David Warner and Test captain Michael Clarke, adding power and class to the one-day squad unveiled Tuesday to face England in the first three of five matches.

"David Warner has won back his place in the Australia ODI squad with his outstanding recent form," said national selector John Inverarity.

"Michael Clarke, Shaun Marsh and James Pattinson have been included after being unavailable through injury for the series against India in October."

Australia have comprehensively outplayed England to take a 4-0 Ashes lead and are a strong bet for a total whitewash when the final Test opens on Sydney on Friday.

Warner has been in blistering form with the bat while Clarke, who missed the October tour of India with chronic back trouble, has led a total turnaround for an Australia team that lost the last Ashes series 3-0 in England earlier this year.

"There are three outstanding players in Clarke, Warner and Marsh coming back and we believe their inclusion provides the squad with several batting options," Inverarity said.

"Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh are exciting prospects at the top of the order with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup only 14 months away."

Fast-bowler James Pattinson also returns from a long-term back injury.

"Pattinson has worked hard to get back to full fitness and will be looking to regain his best form," the selector said with an eye on Australia's Test tour to South Africa in February and March.

Australia v England schedule:

Jan 12: Melbourne

Jan 17: Brisbane

Jan 19: Sydney

Jan 24: Perth

Jan 26: Adelaide

Squad for the first three matches:

Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-capt), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, David Warner, Shane Watson.

First Published: Dec 31, 2013 09:44 IST