Leg-spinner Shane Warne has been rushed back into the Australian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka after completing a twelve-month drug ban.
Warne was suspended last year on the eve of the World Cup 2003 for testing positive for a diuretic that can mask steroids, but was immediately recalled when the 15 member squad was announced on Friday.
"Despite his absence, Shane is still one of the best spin bowlers in the world and I'm sure he'll have an important role to play on Sri Lanka's flat, turning wickets," Australia's chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
Warne, 34, has played just one first-class match for Victoria since completing his ban earlier this month, but was able to convince the selectors by capturing six wickets.
"He's clearly worked extremely hard on his fitness over the last few months," Hohns said. "We have been impressed with the way he has bowled for Victoria since his return."
Warne joined Stuart MacGill as one of two specialist leg-spinners in the squad. Hohns said it was possible that both would play in the three-Test series.
"There's no doubt that Shane is a great asset for Australian cricket. We are lucky to have two leg-spinners of the highest quality in the Australian squad," he said.
"Stuart MacGill's performances over the last 12 months have been second to none and we are confident both players can work in tandem."
LEHMANN BACK
Middle-order batsman Darren Lehmann and medium-pacer Michael Kasprowicz were also recalled to the squad after the retirement of former captain Steve Waugh while uncapped all-rounder Andrew Symonds and wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe were included.
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Kasprowicz joined Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee and Brad Williams as the fourth paceman, edging out Andy Bichel and Nathan Bracken. Seccombe, who toured England in 2001 but did not play a Test, was named Adam Gilchrist's back-up.
Symonds, a big-hitting all-rounder, was rewarded for his strong performances in the one-day squad. Hohns said his inclusion will give the squad depth in every position.
"At this time of year, Sri Lanka can be one of the most challenging places in the world to tour, but we are confident that this squad has both the experience and the ability to perform strongly in the conditions," Hohns said.
"Andrew Symonds has had an outstanding year in the one-day arena and we think it's timely that he now gets his opportunity to prove himself in Test cricket.
"He brings an extremely versatile package to the group, and gives us several different options in these conditions."
Most of the squad is already in Sri Lanka with the one-day team. The remaining players will join them next week.
The first Test starts on March 8.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist (v-c, wk), Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Michael Kasprowicz, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Wade Seccombe (wk), Andrew Symonds, Brad Williams, Shane Warne.
