Australia A squad announced for limited-overs games against Zimbabwe

Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) has today named a 12-man Australia A squad for two limited-overs games against Zimbabwe in Perth on 1 January and Adelaide on 7 January.

The squad is:

Team management - Bennett King (Coach), Damien Fleming (Team Manager), Stephen Partridge (Physiotherapist).

Exciting New South Wales batsman Michael Clarke will captain the side, while Tasmanian all-rounder Shane Watson has been named as vice-captain.

Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming will act as Team Manager, replacing Trevor Robertson, who has accepted a position as Director of Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence.

NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said the limited-overs squad was selected with a clear view to the future.

"We've selected a developmental squad for the two one-day games in January, as it gives us a great opportunity to see some of this country's best young players perform at a higher level," he said.

"These players have been recognised as the future of Australian cricket, and they deserve a chance to show their wares against an international opposition."

Only three players - Clarke, Cameron White and Shaun Tait - have been retained from Australia A's three-day side, which plays India in Hobart from Friday 19 December.

With all players under 26 years of age, the side will comprise four Australia A debutants including Shaun Marsh (WA), Dominic Thornely (NSW), Adam Griffith (TAS) and Mark Cosgrove (SA).

"Mark's an exciting player who is capable with both bat and ball," Hohns said.

"He's had a good grounding at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy and has impressed in both domestic competitions over the last 12 months."

Despite its youthful appearance, the squad isn't without international experience, with Cosgrove, White, and Shaun Marsh having represented Australia at the 2002 Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand.

Watson also makes his return to Australian representative ranks following a lengthy spell on the sideline with a back injury.

"Shane's a highly experienced player, and although he's still not ready to handle the rigours of match bowling, he'll be a valuable asset with the bat, and this is an important step in his overall recovery."