Ben Laughlin picked in Oz squad

"Both Peter and Ben had significant injuries during the 2008 off-season. Since returning to cricket they have had a demanding and heavy Australian season and will have completed three back-to-back Test matches in South Africa," Hilditch said in a statement.

"The recommendation of the coaching and fitness staff was that they have time off now to allow them to recuperate and then commence a structured training program in ideal preparation potentially for the World Twenty20 and the Ashes.

"This recommendation is fully supported by the National Selection Panel as an appropriate strategy leading into key tournaments and in particular the Ashes," he said.

"With this of course comes opportunity. Brett Geeves performed well in the Top End Series against Bangladesh for Australia and has continued to perform well domestically. In addition to his bowling he is a potentially explosive batsmen and fielder and adds to the versatility of the one-day side.

"We also take the opportunity to introduce Ben Laughlin to Australian cricket. Ben has had an extremely good summer for Queensland and was instrumental in their one-day final victory. Ben will add to the versatility of the Australian bowling line up as we continue to look at options progressing forward to the 2011 World Cup," he said.

He said "It was not considered appropriate to rush him back into one-day cricket for Australia".

"Shaun is recovering from a significant hamstring injury. He is recovering well, but further testing of hamstring strength is being undertaken and he has not been match tested at all. We would expect Shaun to be available for selection in the Pakistan one-day series," he added.

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