Senior Australia cricketers have expressed their surprise at Steve and Mark Waugh's omission from the latest one-day squads.

Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer feel the twins can still make it to the World Cup.

That's despite the fact they will miss the series against Pakistan in August and the Champions Trophy in September.

"It is a bit odd," Gilchrist, the Test and one-day vice captain, said.

"Obviously the Waughs could easily slot into any team and still do well."

Langer, who will captain an Australia A side to tour South Africa in September, feels Steve has what it takes to force his way back into the limited-overs side.

"There is no doubt he has got the ability to, (it is) whether the opportunity comes up for him to," Langer said.

"Having spoken to him recently, he still has the desire to do it.

"If any person could do it against all the odds that are probably stacked against him to do it and make a return, he could."

Steve Waugh said he wanted his place back - and was prepared to fight for it.

"I still have ambitions to play for Australia in one-day internationals and I want to give myself every opportunity to try to get back into the side," he said.

"All I can do is make sure that I am playing properly and ready for the first game of the season and play for New South Wales.

"The selectors have picked quite a lot of young guys for the A side. They mentioned to me they know what Mark and I can do and want to have a look at some other players. That is not a negative thing."

Very comfortable

Chief selector Trevor Hohns said he was "very, very comfortable" with the two sides.

Players include two newcomers to the A side in 21-year-old NSW all-rounder Michael Clarke and Tasmanian pace bowler Damien Wright.

"There's a couple of guys there I suppose who are a bit of a look-and-see proposition - we are experimenting a little bit," Hohns said.

"These matches against South Africa A provide players with valuable experience at the international level.

"For those players who may eventually be selected for the World Cup, there's the familiarity of playing in South Africa."

Mark Waugh was considered a possible for the A side, but his manager, Leo Karis, said he was "not overly surprised" the long-serving batsman had been left out of the team.