Cricket: Australia makes two changes

SYDNEY - David Warner and Callum Ferguson have been dropped to make way for captain Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson in Australia's one-day cricket squad for the series against Sri Lanka.

Ponting and opening batsman Watson missed the recent one-day series in India while being rested but were named to return to the 15-man squad today along with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who is back from injury.

Tasmanian spinner Xavier Doherty's impressive start to the interstate season saw him rewarded with a call-up for the three-match series against the Sri Lankans which begins on November 3 at the MCG.

The sides will face each other again in Sydney two days later and play the third match in Brisbane on November 7.

Doherty earned his place in the national team after some consistent form for the Tigers over recent seasons.

He made the Australia A side this year and the left-arm finger spinner will have a chance to impress ahead of the World Cup early next year.

Incumbent spinner Nathan Hauritz will miss the first match of the Sri Lanka series to allow him to play for NSW in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba starting on October 31.

The four-day match is seen as the better preparation for Hauritz leading into the Ashes.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

- AAP