Rusty pace bowler Brett Lee and all-rounders Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds have been given a place each in the 15-member Australian team that would be led by Ricky Ponting in the next month's World Twenty20.

Nathan Hauritz has also been given a chance as the spinner in the team. Apart from this, fast bowler Peter Siddle has also been picked in the squad. However, the fast bowler has had been struggling from foot-related injuries.

Lee and Watson are also expected to play in Thursday night's Twenty20 match against Pakistan. Lee has been struggling from ankle and foot problems.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said, "Brett Lee is progressing well and will return to international cricket in Thursday's T20 game against Pakistan. We expect it will take him a few games to regain his rhythm after the extended break but the medical and coaching staff are very confident Brett will be back to his best for this tournament."

Watson had a good one-day series against Pakistan as a batsman. He was the highest run-scorer for the team. He scored an unbeaten century in the fifth and final match late last week.

However, controversial Symonds made a mixed return to Aussie team during that ODI series.

While talking on Symonds, Hilditch said, "At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best Twenty20 players in the world. In limited opportunities in the UAE (against Pakistan) he showed, during game two, his ability to win games for Australia. He also adds versatility to our squad."

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson.