Symonds, Tait, Hogg, Haddin in WC squad; Clark, White unlucky

Sydney, Feb 13 (UNI) Australia has included injured Andrew Symonds, Brad Hogg, Shaun Tait and Brad Haddin in the 15-man World Cup squad, while Cameron White and Stuart Clark failed to get the nod for the showpeice event in West Indies.

Haddin has been included in the team as a back-up for Adam Gilchrist, and Tait nudged unlucky Stuart Clark for the battle of the fifth paceman slot.

Andrew Symonds is also included despite his injured biceps in the recent tri-series, while Shane Watson also makes his way into the squad.

Brad Hogg gets another shot at a World Cup after winning the all-round spinner spot over White.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said the squad selection was the culmination of two year's work, and he believed he had gone with the right mix for the tournament which begins with a match against Scotland on March 14.

''We have been planning for the defence of the ICC Cricket World Cup for two years. We've been pleased with the team's preparation and extremely pleased with the victory in the recent ICC Champions Trophy,'' he was quoted as saying in Cricket Australia's website.

''This squad represents a balance of experience and youth and is capable of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the third time in a row,'' he said.

Hilditch admitted there were several tough calls, including the omission of Clark and White.

''Shaun Tait has been selected and it is fair to say it was a difficult decision to make on Stuart Clark, who has been part of the squad this summer. Cameron White is extremely unlucky to miss it.

He is a young man with a bright future for Australia,'' he said.

Haddin got the nod on the strength of some fine domestic performances this year Besides, with Adam Gilchrist set to become a father for the third time just before the team leaves for West Indies, he may be granted leave on compassionate grounds, in the event of which Haddin will double up as a second wicket keeper.

15-man Squad : Australia: Ricky Ponting (Capt), Adam Gilchrist (VC), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Haddin, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.

UNI