Australian speedster Jason Gillespie has been selected to spearhead South Australia's attack when it opens its ING Cup season in Perth next week.

International commitments limited Gillespie, 26, to a total of just six matches with the Redbacks last summer.

But, with a successful Ashes tour of England behind him and with five weeks still remaining before the First Test against New Zealand, he becomes a welcome re-inclusion for the day-night match against Western Australia on 12 October.

Gillespie heads a strong pace attack that also includes Paul Wilson, Brett Swain, Mark Harrity and Paul Rofe, while the slow bowling options will be led by left arm orthodox bowler Brad Young, another player making a return after a long absence.

Young, the state's premier spinner, was sidelined in November last year when he sustained ligament damage to his knee during training. He underwent a full knee reconstruction immediately, before returning to play Lancashire League cricket in the Australian off-season.

The South Australians have named a balanced squad, continuing to show faith in many of the players who took the state within a whisker of a finals appearance last season. Back from successful county seasons with Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire respectively, Darren Lehmann and Greg Blewett will again fill the side's leadership positions.

The Redbacks' pre-season has included a two-day stopover in the Victorian country town of Mildura as well as the start of a series of intrastate league fixtures. Two matches against Tasmania were also scheduled, but the first of those - which was due to be played today - was abandoned because of a wet outfield at Adelaide's Park 25.

The full South Australian side is: Darren Lehmann (c), Greg Blewett (v/c), David Fitzgerald, Jason Gillespie, Ryan Harris, Mark Harrity, Ben Johnson, Graham Manou, Paul Rofe, Brett Swain, Jeff Vaughan, Paul Wilson, Brad Young.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd