Uncapped duo Travis Birt and Steve Smith are in Australia's squad for the one-off T20 international with Pakistan.
Australia explore options in shortest format
Uncapped duo Travis Birt and Steve Smith have been named in Australia's 13-man squad for the one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan at the MCG on Friday.
Tasmanian batsman Birt, 28, boasts a career strike rate of almost 130 in domestic T20, while 20-year-old New South Wales all-rounder Smith has been included with an eye on the future.
Michael Clarke will captain the side with Cameron White assuming the role of vice-captain.
Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris, who took 13 wickets in the final three one-day internationals of the 5-0 whitewash of Pakistan, has been selected along with Victorian Dirk Nannes and South Australian speedster Shaun Tait.
Big-hitting opener David Warner has been selected along with Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, David Hussey and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
National selection panel (NSP) chairman Andrew Hilditch explained the squad was chosen with the World Twenty20, which takes place in West Indies from April 30-May 16, in mind.
"In selecting this squad, the NSP has taken into account the performances of players in international Twenty20 matches, the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash and also the correct balance of the side to be able to implement our match plans and tactics for Twenty20 cricket going into the world cup," said Hilditch.
"On this occasion there are significant changes between the one-day and Twenty20 side as we look at several players who could play a key role in our World Twenty20 campaign.
Separate
"The NSP (national selection panel) has always regarded Twenty20 cricket as a separate form of the game and this selection has highlighted some players who we think can have an impact in Twenty20 cricket such as Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Travis Birt and Steve Smith.
"Travis Birt has shown really good white-ball form for several seasons now and we have picked him with a view to him playing a specific role in the middle order in the Twenty20 side.
"Steve Smith is obviously an extremely exciting prospect and performed well for NSW in the Champions League Twenty20 and KFC Twenty20 Big Bash and gives us great flexibility with his ability to bowl leg spin, bat and field.
"Ryan Harris also is someone who has been in the plans of the NSP for the World Twenty20. Ryan's chances have been limited by injury but he's now back to full fitness and playing very well."
Australia squad: M Clarke (capt), T Birt, B Haddin (wkt), D Hussey, R Harris, M Johnson, S Marsh, D Nannes, S Smith, S Tait, D Warner, S Watson, C White
