SYDNEY — England won the toss and chose to bat Friday in the opening Tri Series one-day international against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Fast bowler James Anderson was ruled out of the England lineup for the match with a knee injury. Steve Finn was named along with Stuart Broad and Chris Jordan in a strong England bowling attack.
Australia named spinner Xavier Doherty in its match XI, preventing the debut of squad member Gurinder Sandhu.
The Tri Series forms a major part of Australia, England and India's preparation for the World Cup.
Australia and England will meet in their first World Cup match at Melbourne on Feb. 14.
England captain Eoin Morgan said Anderson wasn't quite fit to make his return but would likely play in England's next match at Brisbane.
"For the World Cup our squad has match winners and, as we can pick anyone from the 11, our selection gets all that easier," Morgan said.
Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood were rested by Australia who chose Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to lead their pace attack.
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Lineups:
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, George Bailey (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummings, Xavier Doherty.
England: Ian Bell, Moeen Ali, James Taylor, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (captain), Jos Buttler, Ravi Bopara, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Chris Jordan, Steve Finn.