Australia A squad for limited-overs matches against the Sri Lankans

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen the following squad to represent Australia A in two limited-overs matches against the Sri Lankans on 1 January in Melbourne and 7 January in Adelaide.

The squad is:

* Darren Lehmann has been selected for Australia A's match on 7 January only, meaning that the remaining 11 squad members will take the field on 1 January in Melbourne. It is expected that a 12th man will be provided by Cricket Victoria.

Team Management:

Changes to the squad that defeated an England XI and the Sri Lankans in limited-overs matches before Christmas include Victorian Bushrangers' batsman Brad Hodge replacing the-then captain Justin Langer, who is expected to be required by the senior side in Sydney for the fifth and final Orange Test match against England.

Hodge's Victorian team-mate Ian Harvey has also gained selection.

Commenting on the squad chosen, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "We were very pleased with Australia A's performances prior to Christmas and would expect this side to be just as competitive.

"We will initially start with eleven players for the Melbourne match, then extend it to twelve in Adelaide when Darren Lehmann joins the side.

"We are hoping that match is an opportunity for Darren to regain match fitness after his recent illness.

"There will also be a change in leadership from the pre-Christmas matches with Jimmy Maher taking over the captaincy from Justin Langer who is expected to be required in Sydney for Test duties.

"Justin's absence has opened the door for Brad Hodge, who deserves his chance after strong performances with the bat at domestic level over recent years.

"Ian Harvey has also shown that he is fit again after a recent injury, and his experience will be a real plus," added Hohns.