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SYDNEY - Ricky Ponting will lead an Australian Twenty20 cricket squad featuring a new-look bowling attack for Friday's clash with India at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ponting is back at the helm after missing Australia's Twenty20 win over New Zealand in Perth in December, with the man who filled in on that occasion, Michael Clarke, named vice-captain.
Selectors have dropped fast bowlers Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait from the squad that thrashed the kiwis, with Ben Hilfenhaus and James Hopes earning call-ups to join Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Ashley Noffke in the 13-man squad named today.
Test paceman Mitchell Johnson has also been left out with selectors opting to rest him, along with opening batsman Matthew Hayden who has experienced ongoing tightness in his hamstring.
Brad Hodge returns after being ruled out of the Perth match with a freak injury minutes before the start.
And in-form Victorian batsman David Hussey is poised to make his debut for Australia alongside Test star brother Michael in the middle order.
"He's a good friend of mine, not only my brother, but he's such a fantastic player to watch so I am excited about playing with him," said David Hussey today.
"I'm also excited about playing with Ricky Ponting, the world's best batsman and Adam Gilchrist who has probably revolutionised the game."
The match will be Gilchrist's last Twenty20 match for Australia after announcing his impending retirement earlier this week.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges.
- AAP
