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Captain Ricky Ponting got his way Tuesday when injured all-rounder Andrew Symonds was included in Australia's 15-man squad for next month's Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.

Symonds is likely to miss the opening rounds of the world tournament while recovering from a ruptured bicep tendon but Ponting pushed strongly for his inclusion, saying Australia will be a better team when Symonds is available.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the selection of Symonds was "a very difficult decision.

"After extensive consultation with the medical staff, his rehabilitation following surgery is going as well, if not better than expected.

"Forward planning is that he'll be fit for the South African game (Australia's third pool match) and, with that in mind, we thought the risk of taking him so shortly after surgery was warranted."

New South Wales wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin was also included in the Australian squad, partly as cover for veteran Adam Gilchrist who will miss warmup matches ahead of the tournament to be with his wife, Mel, who is expecting their third child.

Tearaway fast bowler Shaun Tait and all-rounder Shane Watson won squad places after taking minor roles in this month's limited-overs tri series against England and New Zealand.

Hilditch denied taking a risk in selecting Tait ahead of the more experienced Stuart Clark in the last seam bowling position.

"We think he's an exciting addition to the squad, we think it's an attacking move. We have picked someone who we think can help us win a World Cup," Hilditch said.

"Stuart Clark (was) desperately unlucky, but after a very difficult decision time, Shaun Tait's extra pace in the power plays, and particularly at the end of the innings, has seen his well warranted selection."

Watson, who played in the tri series finals after missing the preliminary rounds with injury, held out Cameron White for his squad place. Hilditch said Clark and White were "desperately unlucky" to miss out.

Haddin's selection added flexibility to the squad, Hilditch said, as he could play as a wicketkeeper to rest Gilchrist or as a specialist batsman.

"We think (the squad) is capable of winning the World Cup for a third consecutive time," Hilditch said.

"We are still the best side in the world in our view."

After warmup matches against Zimbabwe on March 6 and England on March 9, Australia will play Pool A matches against Scotland on March 14, the Netherlands on March 18 and South Africa on March 24.

Meanwhile, opener Phil Jaques has been called into the Australian team for the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series against New Zealand as cover for Michael Clarke who has a hip injury.

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Australia

Ricky Ponting (capt.), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.