ICC World T20: Veterans Hogg, Hodge, Haddin recalled into Australian team for tournament in Bangladesh
Melbourne: Australia has selected veterans Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge and Brad Haddin in its squad for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next month.
Hogg, 43, is set to become the oldest player ever in international T20 cricket and eclipse Kenya's Steve Tikolo (42) as the oldest T20 player international in history.
"Despite his age, his enthusiasm and fitness are undiminished," national selection panel chairman John Inverarity said Tuesday.
The 39-year-old Hodge has been rewarded for smashing 219 runs at an average of 36.5 for the Melbourne Stars in the domestic Big Bash League, while test wicketkeeper Haddin, 36, replaces Matt Wade behind the stumps.
Fellow-test regulars Shane Watson, David Warner and Mitchell Johnson were also included.
"We have selected a squad that has plenty of experience playing the Twenty20 format in the sub-continent," Inverarity said. "We have a group with good depth in power hitting and a range of bowling options."
Allrounder James Faulkner has been picked in anticipation he will recover from knee surgery in time for the tournament, which starts March 16.
George Bailey will captain Australia in Bangladesh as the team looks for its first ever World T20 title after four unsuccessful attempts.
Rookie Victoria legspinner James Muirhead was picked for his first major international tournament.
Squad: George Bailey (captain), Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Glenn Maxwell, James Muirhead, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.