30 Jan 2012

Marsh dropped from Australia one day squad

6:18 pm on 30 January 2012

Australia's dropped struggling top order batsman Shaun Marsh and rested wicketkeeper Brad Haddin for the first three matches of the one-day Tri-series against India and Sri Lanka, which starts next week.

Marsh, a regular in the one-day team since his debut in 2008, has paid the price for a disappointing start to his test career when he was omitted from the 14-man squad for the tournament.

Haddin, who is acting vice captain in the continued absence of injured all rounder Shane Watson, also came in for some criticism during the India series and is replaced by uncapped 24-year-old Matthew Wade.

The chairman of selectors John Inverarity says Haddin is being rested after a heavy test programme.

The other newcomers are all rounder Dan Christian and batsmen Peter Forrest and Mitchell Marsh.

There is plenty of experience through fast bowler Brett Lee as well as batsmen Ricky Ponting and the Hussey brothers Mike and David, who are all in their mid-30s.

Australia's first match in the series is against India in Melbourne on Sunday.