Australia recalled fast bowler Glenn McGrath and left wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist [Images] out of an 18-man squad for next month's tri-nations tournament in Malaysia.

Brad Haddin was selected as the main wicketkeeper with Michael Hussey promoted to replace Gilchrist as Ricky Ponting's [Images] vice-captain.

"Adam is a vital member of the Australian Test and one-day side and performs an extremely demanding role," Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement on Tuesday.

"After an extended break following the end of last season it has been decided the best way to prepare him mentally and physically for the upcoming summer of cricket is to allow him to continue his training program at home."

McGrath has not played for Australia since January, when he pulled out of the squad to help his wife Jane recover from cancer.

"Glenn's return is an exciting time for Australian cricket," Hilditch said. "We see this series as an ideal opportunity for him to return to the international cricketing scene and will use it closely to monitor his progress."

Opening batsman Matthew Hayden [Images] was also recalled to the one-day squad for the first time since last year.

"Matthew has been a fantastic Australian player for a long time and has continued to press his claims for a recall," Hilditch said. "He is still very much in our thoughts for the 2007 World Cup and this gives him an excellent opportunity to further impress."

The tri-nations tournament against India and West Indies [Images] starts in Kuala Lumpur on September 12.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken [Images], Andrew Symonds [Images], Mark Cosgrove, Daniel Cullen, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke [Images], Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg [Images], Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee [Images], Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Watson.