Australia name second keeper

Published February 10, 2004

SYDNEY, Feb 9: Australia have added a second wicket-keeper to their limited overs squad for the tour of Sri Lanka to ease the workload on Adam Gilchrist. The world champions included Brad Haddin in an expanded 15-man roster on Monday as part of a plan to keep players fresh for the five-match series starting on Feb 20.

One-day specialist Michael Bevan was also recalled after being sidelined with a rib injury but fast bowler Glenn McGrath was omitted because of complications with his injured ankle.

"Playing in the sub-continent and taking on Sri Lanka presents a real challenge to this group, but we feel that 15 players will give us adequate depth and the necessary firepower to do the job," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

"Michael Bevan's return to the squad following injury is welcomed and we feel that a back-up wicket-keeper to support Adam Gilchrist is also necessary. "Brad Haddin performed well when called into the squad during the (triangular) series and this touring experience should help in his overall development as a senior cricketer."

The tourists are also scheduled to play three Tests against Sri Lanka and Hohns said the Test squad would be announced on Feb 20.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Bevan, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Brad Haddin, Ian Harvey, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Brad Williams. -Reuters

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