SYDNEY, Dec 6: Paceman Shaun Tait on Thursday returned to Australian international cricket for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series against New Zealand.

Tait, who hasn’t played for his country since his major role in Australia’s World Cup victory in the West Indies, was named in a 13-man squad to take on the Kiwis starting next week.He has been sidelined following an elbow surgery but proved his fitness and form in domestic cricket, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

“After making a huge impact at the World Cup earlier this year, Shaun Tait has been brought back into the squad after having fully recovered from injury,” Hilditch added. “Once he was back to full fitness he was going to be strongly considered... he looks fully fit and ready to go.”

Tait demanded inclusion after taking a 10-wicket haul, including 7-29, for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane last week.

The slinger admitted to reporters he could not help looking ahead at the prospect of playing India in the first Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, provided he can take some New Zealand wickets in the one-day series.

Other notable inclusions in the squad are Queensland all-rounder James Hopes and New South Wales wicket-keeper/batsman Brad Haddin.

Squad:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait.

—AFP