Doherty was Tasmania's joint one-day player of the year in 2007

Tasmania bowler Xavier Doherty has been named in the Australia squad to face Sri Lanka in their upcoming three-match Commonwealth Bank Series.

Left-arm finger spinner Doherty, 27, was chosen after an impressive start to the interstate season.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin are also in the 15-man squad to play Sri Lanka.

The one-day series opens in Melbourne on Wednesday 3 November and ends on Sunday 7 November in Brisbane.

Also looking to impress in the run-up to the opening Ashes Test against England on 25 November are young fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, John Hastings and Clint McKay.

Selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said injuries offered the trio the chance to gain international experience as Australia continues its preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.

The recall of Ponting and Watson, who both missed Australia's losing one-day series against India in October, means David Warner, 23, and Callum Ferguson, 25, miss out.

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Hilditch added: "It is a pity neither player got an opportunity in India due to the weather, but both players will return to interstate cricket and look to score plenty of runs and press for selection during the summer."

Nathan Hauritz will miss the opening game to play for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield at the Gabba.

His absence could give Doherty, who was Tasmania's joint one-day player of the year in the 2007-08 season, an early chance to shine.

Hilditch stated: "Xavier Doherty richly deserves his chance after several impressive seasons for Tasmania.

"His interstate one-day performances saw him make the Australia A side this year and he has again started this season impressively.

"A left-arm finger spinner could be important during the World Cup campaign and we are confident Xavier will perform very well if the opportunity presents itself."

England fly to Australia on Friday to begin their preparation for the Ashes series and play a tour match against Western Australia on 5 November.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), 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.

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