Ben Cutting added to Australian squad

Australian selectors have added Ben Cutting in the national team squad, which will take on Sri Lanka in the upcoming third ODI at Brisbane, as cover for the struggling pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson.

Both left-armers missed the second ODI at Adelaide due to respective calf and side strain injuries, and their involvement in the remainder of the series hinges on their ability to prove their fitness. Despite the management feeling confident that the pacers will be fit for the upcoming crucial encounter, the selectors have still included Cutting in the squad in a bid to boost their bowling resources.

Cutting made a productive debut in the second ODI, making 27 runs with the bat, while claiming 1 wicket at the expense of 41 runs. His performances went unnoticed as the hosts easily lost the battle to leave the series delicately poised at one a piece.

Cutting then showed his bowling prowess in the ongoing Big Bash League for the Brisbane Heat, which qualified for the final after beating the inform Melbourne Renegades. The pacer took 3 for 24 in the match.  The selectors have also made it clear that the pacer will join the Big Bash outfit if Starc and Johnson are deemed fit for the clash.

"Ben is here in Brisbane as a precaution due to Johnson and Starc coming back from injury," John Inverarity, the national selector, said. "If both pace bowlers prove their fitness to play as expected, Ben will re-join the Brisbane Heat on Friday afternoon for the Big Bash League final."

The squad, which was announced earlier, also sees the return of skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner and wicket-keeper Matthew Wade, all of whom were rested for the opening two games after featuring extensively for the national team this home summer.

The notable inclusion in the squad is of Moises Henriques, who was given the nod ahead of Steven Smith as the Aussies look for players with all-round prowess.

Australia squad: David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, David Hussey, Matthew Wade (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty,Ben Cutting.