Controversial all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been left out of Australia's squad for this year's Ashes tour to England.
Symonds and Brad Hodge were overlooked for Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald, who performed with distinction in Australia's Test triumph in South Africa.
Symonds, 34, has had a chequered 26-Test career and has not played for Australia since last year's Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Melbourne following a season of injury, poor form and off-field personal problems.
There were few surprises in the squad, which features five players who took part in Australia's Ashes whitewash in the summer of 2006-07.
Ricky Ponting will lead the touring party with Michael Clarke as his deputy.
As expected, veterans Stuart Clark and Brett Lee come back after injury.
Shane Watson won the nod for the all-rounder's berth despite being under an injury cloud and not bowling since last December.
Selectors expect him to be fully fit for the start of the Ashes and the ICC World Twenty20.
Nathan Hauritz was preferred ahead of Victorian Bryce McGain after performing well in recent one-dayers in South Africa and the UAE.
In keeping with tradition, selectors chose a back-up wicketkeeper, naming South Australian Graham Manou as Brad Haddin's understudy.
Opening batsman Phillip Hughes is the youngster of the tourists at 20, and comes into the Ashes series on the back of scoring four centuries during a six-week English county guest stint with Middlesex this month.
National selection panel Andrew Hilditch said the squad contained a blend of experience and youth.
It contains only four players who have played a Test in England and 11 first-time Ashes tourists.
"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," Hilditch said.
"We expect the Ashes to be an exciting and riveting encounter, consistent with the great tradition of rivalry between England and Australia.
"Attempting to beat England on home soil is a great challenge for this young Australian squad and both Ricky and the squad are looking forward to it immensely. It promises to be a very exciting series."
The first Test starts in Cardiff on July 8.
Australia Ashes squad:
Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke (vc)
Stuart Clark
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Peter Siddle
Shane Watson.
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