McGrath opts out and Watson back

Spearhead Glenn McGrath will miss the One Day International series on Australia’s upcoming tour of South Africa, as he has opted to remain with his wife Jane, who is being treated for cancer. McGrath is joined by Brett Dorey, James Hopes and Phil Jaques as those left out of the squad, having participated in the recently completed VB Series.

The omission of Dorey and Hopes is to allow them to develop further whilst playing state cricket, according to chairman of the selectors, Trevor Hohns.

Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson are recalled to the squad, the latter having not represented Australia in a limited overs international since the Super Series against the ICC World XI. He has since been sidelined with a shoulder injury, and earns a recall having returned to full fitness. Watson had Man of the Match performances in two of his last three ODI appearances. Johnson has not represented Australia since his debut against New Zealand late last year, when he bowled for 0/64 from 9 overs.

Opener Jaques is overlooked once more, despite scoring a superb 94 on debut against South Africa in the VB Series. He has since been out of the squad in favour of Simon Katich, who sealed his spot to tour with an unbeaten hundred in the VB Final.

Australia play a Twenty20 match and five One Day Internationals to start their tour of South Africa.

Australia ODI squad of 14:
Ricky Ponting (C), Adam Gilchrist (vc) (wk), Michel Clarke, Mike Hussey, Simon Katich, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Mick Lewis, Damien Martyn, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Nathan Bracken