Commonwealth Bank Series 2011/12

Ponting dropped, Watson back in the squad

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been named as the replacement of Ricky Ponting as the latter was dropped because of poor form.

Former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting who led the team in the last two games has been dropped because of his poor form in the Commonwealth Bank series.

The player replacing him isn’t bad either, Shane Watson returns to the squad of 13 players which also has the return of Michael Clarke as captain.

Also Ryan Harris has been recalled in the place of Mitchell Starc which means Brett Lee and Ben Hilfenhaus will keep their place intact after their performance against India.

Mathew Wade will continue to do the keeping work with Brad Haddin still struggling to find a spot.

Referring to the Ponting axing "The team will not seem the same without him, but moving on from the omission of players who have been outstanding over a long period of time is the nature of elite sport," National selector said.

"Shane Watson is an all-rounder of proven class and the selection panel is keen to have him re-join the squad," chief selector John Inverarity added.

Squad: Michael Clarke (Capt.), Shane Watson (vice-Capt.), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Matthew Wade, David Warner