SYDNEY, May 4: Selectors on Thursday named a strong Australia ‘A’ squad for a series of four-day, one-day and Twenty20 cricket matches against ‘A’ teams from New Zealand, India and Pakistan in Darwin and Cairns in July.

The squad, showcasing Australia's cricket playing depth, contains players with international experience including wicket-keeper/batsman Brad Haddin, the pace trio of Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson, dumped Test batsman Brad Hodge and opener Phil Jaques.

“We see the Top End series as a very important tournament for young, emerging talent in Australia and in particular for those pushing for Australian selection in the upcoming Champions Trophy, the Ashes and the World Cup,” new chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said on Thursday.

Squad: Brad Haddin (captain), Cullen Bailey, Travis Birt, Mark Cosgrove, Dan Cullen, Brett Dorey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.—Agencies