SYDNEY: Paceman James Pattinson and off-spinner Nathan Lyon were Wednesday left out of Australia's provisional 30-man squad for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

Off-spinning all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and left-handed batsman Rob Quiney, who have no international experience, were the big winners.

“The ICC World Twenty20 will be a fiercely contested tournament,” said selector John Inverarity.

“A great deal of flamboyant cricketing talent will be on display and some games will be turned on their heads by 10 minutes of brilliance. The squad announced today is full of talent, enterprise and all-round strength.

“Within the 30 players named is depth and cover for all departments within the team.”

Maxwell's selection came as no surprise after being picked for the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in early September.

But the choice of Quiney, 29, is more unexpected. He made the grade after a decent Big Bash League season where he averaged more than 30 with the bat.

The tournament starts on September 18. Australia, runners-up in 2010 to England in Barbados, face Ireland and the West Indies in Group B.

A final squad of 15 is due to be named by August 18.

Preliminary squad:

George Bailey, Travis Birt, Dan Christian, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Laughlin, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Dirk Nannes, Stephen O'Keefe, Tim Paine, Rob Quiney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White