Andrew Symonds has been included in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad despite rupturing his biceps in the recent Commonwealth Bank Series. The 31-year-old is unlikely to feature in the reigning champions' opening matches but they are confident he will have recovered in time from surgery to play a major part in the Caribbean.

Brad Haddin, the New South Wales wicketkeeper, has been called up as back-up for Adam Gilchrist, whose wife is due to give birth, while Brad Hogg and Shaun Tait have been chosen ahead of Cameron White and Stuart Clark. Shane Watson is also included.

Andrew Hilditch, Australia's chairman of selectors, said the squad selection was the culmination of two year's work, and he believed he had gone with the right mix for the tournament which begins with a match against Scotland on March 14. "We have been planning for the defence of the ICC Cricket World Cup for two years. We've been pleased with the team's preparation and extremely pleased with the victory in the recent ICC Champions Trophy," he said.

"This squad represents a balance of experience and youth and is capable of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the third time in a row."

Yet Hilditch admitted there were several tough calls in the final squad of 15, including the omission of Clark and White. "Shaun Tait has been selected and it is fair to say it was a difficult decision to make on Stuart Clark, who has been part of the squad this summer. Shaun's pace will give us extra fire power during the power plays and at the end of the innings and adds variation to the pace attack for the World Cup.

"Cameron White is extremely unlucky to miss selection in the squad. He is a young man with a bright future for Australia. We think he'll only get better with age. The reality is that since Cameron was picked in the squad Shane Watson has returned and Brad Hogg has seized his opportunity, meaning Cameron has missed out."

Haddin's fine form with the bat has forced his name in front of the selectors. He has not played for Australia since the DLF Cup in Kuala Lumpur, but has played 18 one-day internationals and was selected for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand. "Brad Haddin has been selected on the back of some fine domestic performances this year for New South Wales," Hilditch added.

"We see him capable of batting everywhere in the order and he gives us massive flexibility for the Cup. In addition, he provides us with cover as a second wicketkeeper should Adam Gilchrist become injured during the tournament."

Australia's World Cup squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist (vc), 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