Cricket: Axe clears way for youth

LONDON - Former Australian captain Greg Chappell says the axing of the Waugh twins from the world champion's one-day squad has ensured it does not resemble any of England's "Dad's Army" teams.

The Australian selectors on Monday cut 36-year-old Mark Waugh from the one-day squad to play South Africa and Zimbabwe, three weeks after replacing his twin brother Steve as captain with Ricky Ponting.

Queensland off-spinner Nathan Hauritz and Tasmanian allrounder Shane Watson, both 20, were called into an expanded 15-man squad which also included recalled Queensland batsmen Matthew Hayden and Jimmy Maher.

Chappell said opting for youth was the right direction as the Australians built towards next year's World Cup defence in South Africa. "They had to give the younger players a chance to show what they could do."

The Australians now go into the one-day series in Africa this month without a Waugh in their limited-overs side for the first time in 16 years.

- NZPA