Khawaja, Siddle make comeback in Aussies ODI squad against India

Melbourne: Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja and pacer Peter Siddle has made a comeback as Australia announced a 14-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against India.
Siddle’s inclusion in the team came as a big surprise as the fast bowler had played his last one-day match back in 2010 against Sri Lanka. Australia’s selection panel chairman Trevor Hohns, however, justified Siddle’s selection by saying that the bowler has improved significantly in the white ball cricket and has been rewarded for his “professionalism” and “leadership qualities”.
“His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and his selection is a great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership qualities,” Cricket.com.au quoted Hohns, as saying.
On Khawaja’s selection, the selection chairman said that the batsman is picked up in the ODI side keeping in mind his ability to post “competitive totals”.
“Usman is a batsman we know can put vital runs on the board at the top of the order, and Peter is not only a fine player of spin bowling, but he’s also a batsman we know can hold an innings together while keeping the scoreboard ticking over,” Hohns said.
In the bowling department, Australia made a major reshuffle as they rested three of their main fast bowlers including Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. The decision was taken keeping in sight the upcoming World Cup tournament.