Australia gearing up for the Kiwi challenge …

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced a 13-man squad to take part in the Commonwealth Bank Chappell Hadlee Trophy against New Zealand from 14-20 December.

The Commonwealth Bank Chappell Hadlee Trophy squad is:

Ricky Ponting (captain) - TAS, 32
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain) - WA, 36
Nathan Bracken - NSW, 30
Michael Clarke - NSW, 26
Brad Haddin - NSW, 30
Matthew Hayden - QLD, 36
Brad Hogg - WA, 36
James Hopes - QLD, 29
Michael Hussey - WA, 32
Mitchell Johnson - QLD, 26
Brett Lee - NSW, 31
Andrew Symonds - QLD, 32
Shaun Tait - SA, 24

Commenting on the squad, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“The side for the Commonwealth Bank Chappell Hadlee Trophy recognises the performances of the team during the ICC World Cup earlier this year and their continued success in October’s one-day series in India. The team produced very consistent performances during these two tournaments and played fantastic cricket.

“James Hopes retains his place after impressive performances in the series in India and his very good form since returning from injury, while Brad Haddin has also been rewarded for his amazingly strong start to the interstate season.

“After making a huge impact at the World Cup earlier this year, Shaun Tait has been brought back into the squad after having fully recovered from injury.”

Glimpses of Chappell Hadlee trophy :