New Delhi: Left-arm premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc was included in Australia`s one-day international tri-series squad on Wednesday, which is slated to face the West Indies and South Africa in the Caribbean in June.
This comes as a big boost for the bowler, who has been nursing an injury since last November.
The 26-year-old Starc, has been out of action since fracturing his foot in last November`s historic day-night Test in Adelaide against New Zealand and underwent an ankle surgery.
But he has now regained fitness and will lead an impressive pace attack which also features Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and John Hastings.
Australia's chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said that the bowler has progressed well and will take part in the series.
"Mitchell has progressed very well in his rehab and the medical staff are confident he will be fit to play in this series. It is extremely pleasing to have a bowler of his calibre back in the side," Rod Marsh said.
Senior Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was overlooked for the ICC World T20, has been given another chance to show his mettle in the limited-overs format. He was included alongside leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who impressed in the ongoing WT20 series in India.
The duo is expected to do well under the conditions in West Indies and Lyon has experience there after having played five Tests and taken 23 wickets in the Caribbean.
"Nathan has bowled very well in the West Indies in the past and we are predicting we will see some slow turning pitches," Marsh said
Meanwhile, Travis Head was selected in place of Shaun Marsh. The left-hander wasn't considered because of the impending birth of his first child.
Head got his first ODI call-up after being impressive in Big Bash League and was recently named Sheffield Shield player of the year.
Australia begin the tri-series in Guyana on June 6 against South Africa before facing the hosts four days later at the same venue.
The round-robin tournament sees teams play three matches against each opponent, with the top two advancing to the final on June 26 in Barbados.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
(With Agency inputs)
