Melbourne: The injury to all-rounder Andrew Symonds has prompted Shane Watson's recall to the Australian squad for the cricket tri-series finals starting here on Friday.

Watson, who has missed almost the entire season with a recurring hamstring injury, last played for the national team in its victorious Champions Trophy campaign in India in October-November.

"We have included Shane Watson in the squad of 13 for the final's series. Shane has been given a full medical clearance and has successfully returned to domestic cricket. We feel the time is now right for him to return to international cricket," Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

"Shane adds a great balance to the Australian one-day side and was an important member of the victorious Australian side at the ICC Champions Trophy. It will be great to see Shane back in Australian colours again," Hilditch was quoted as saying in a Cricket Australia release.

Pace bowlers Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait have been released from the squad to play state cricket.

"With Shane Watson returning to the side there is no need to continue with five specialist fast bowlers in the squad. Both Stuart and Shaun were unlucky to be omitted and remain very much in contention for selection in the ICC Cricket World Cup squad, which will be named at the conclusion of the final's series," Hilditch said.