<p>Symonds, who turns 34 next month, was ditched in favour of the younger Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald in a predictable 16-man squad for the five-Test series starting in July. <br /><br />"I think the selectors have definitely got it right," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said. "I think we've got a great balance of youth and experience...and I'm really excited about the prospects of a great series." <br />Australia have been steadily rebuilding their squad in preparation for the Ashes after a spate of high-profile retirements since their 5-0 thrashing of England in 2006-07. <br /><br />The selectors experimented with a range of new players before seemingly to have settled on the right combination during their recent tour of South Africa. "The core of the squad is made up of the side which successfully won the Test series in South Africa and includes Phillip Hughes and Marcus North, who both scored hundreds on debut," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. <br /><br />Hilditch said Watson, whose selection was dependent upon passing a fitness test, had been given the nod ahead of Symonds because he was a more versatile batsman and handy medium-pacer. <br />Australia's opening first-class against Susse starts on June 24.<br /><br />Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson (subject to fitness).</p>
<p>Symonds, who turns 34 next month, was ditched in favour of the younger Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald in a predictable 16-man squad for the five-Test series starting in July. <br /><br />"I think the selectors have definitely got it right," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said. "I think we've got a great balance of youth and experience...and I'm really excited about the prospects of a great series." <br />Australia have been steadily rebuilding their squad in preparation for the Ashes after a spate of high-profile retirements since their 5-0 thrashing of England in 2006-07. <br /><br />The selectors experimented with a range of new players before seemingly to have settled on the right combination during their recent tour of South Africa. "The core of the squad is made up of the side which successfully won the Test series in South Africa and includes Phillip Hughes and Marcus North, who both scored hundreds on debut," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. <br /><br />Hilditch said Watson, whose selection was dependent upon passing a fitness test, had been given the nod ahead of Symonds because he was a more versatile batsman and handy medium-pacer. <br />Australia's opening first-class against Susse starts on June 24.<br /><br />Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson (subject to fitness).</p>