Smith called up as Hussey and Hauritz rest up

With the series wrapped up, Nathan Hauritz and Michael Hussey have been rested for the final match against West Indies at the MCG in Friday. Steven Smith, the rookie legspinning allrounder, has won a national call after a promising Twenty20 debut against Pakistan recently.

"The panel has decided to give Mike Hussey and Nathan Hauritz the final match of series off in order to prepare for the upcoming tour of New Zealand," the chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. "Both Mike and Nathan have been significant contributors to the success of the team this summer and managing their workloads now will ensure they are well-prepared for what lies ahead.

"It's been an exciting season already for Steven Smith and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity in Australia's one-day international squad."

Smith has made a name for himself in Twenty20 cricket having helped New South Wales win the inaugural Champions League title in India last October. He was also New South Wales' leading wicket-taker during the 2009-10 Big Bash tournament with seven at 10.28.

Hussey and Hauritz have featured in all of Australia's engagements during a busy and unbeaten summer. Hussey has been Australia's strongest middle-order player in one-dayers this season while Hauritz has assumed the mantle of first-choice spinner in all formats. The pair has been given a much-needed chance to rest up ahead of the trip to New Zealand. Brad Haddin will also return to the side, replacing the Tasmanian Tim Paine.

Australia squad Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Cameron White, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Steven Smith, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.