Australia's World Cup squad
Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-capt), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty.Michael Clarke has been given until Australia's second World Cup match against Bangladesh on February 21 to prove his fitness as he recovers from hamstring surgery.
Clarke has been named to lead Australia's 15-man squad but will be replaced in the group if he has not fully recovered by the deadline imposed by the selectors. George Bailey has been retained as Clarke's deputy and the man who will captain the side should Clarke be ruled out, despite the rise of Steven Smith to the Test vice-captaincy.
There were no major surprises in Australia's squad, with Pat Cummins included and Xavier Doherty preferred to Nathan Lyon as the specialist spinner. There was no fairtyale call-up for Ryan Harris, who has not played a one-day international for nearly three years.
"This group has played a major role in getting Australia back to number one in ODI cricket and we feel we have the right mix of players to represent our country on the biggest stage of all," chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said. "These players have really gelled over the past 18 months with their preparation geared towards giving us the best chance of winning a World Cup on home soil.
"Captain Michael Clarke will lead our World Cup campaign should he recover from his injury. He is one of the world's best batsmen and we want to give him every chance to prove his fitness for a tournament as important as this one.
"Our medical staff are pleased with his progress following hamstring surgery in December and he continues to undergo thorough rehabilitation work with a view to being ready to play an important role in the World Cup.
"We have said that if Michael has not recovered by our second match of the tournament against Bangladesh on 21 February, we will replace him in the squad. He understands that and is working tirelessly with medical staff to get back to fitness."
Marsh said allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Brisbane Test against India, was expected to be fit for the start of the World Cup and Australia were hopeful he would be ready to play at some stage during the tri-series against India and England. He said Doherty was selected for his reliability.
"Xavier is a reliable spin bowler who we know can perform well in the 50-over format," Marsh said. "We also have other spin options in Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Michael Clarke if required."
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