Cullen and Cosgrove head AIS squad list

Australia's desire to turn first-class cricketers into ready-made Test and ODI back-ups has continued with established players dominating this year's Australian Institute of Sport intake. Dan Cullen and Mark Cosgrove, who have already played for Australia, head the 16-man list who will spend nearly five months working with the Centre of Excellence culminating in a tour to India in August.

Last year the Australia selectors moved away from choosing young, relatively untested players as the need to blood future national representatives became apparent. The latest group includes Luke Ronchi, Aaron Heal, Brendan Drew, Ed Cowan, Luke Pomersbach and Craig Philipson, all of whom have established places in their state teams.

Michael Hill and Philip Hughes, both of whom are available for selection in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, were also offered places. This year's squad will compete in an emerging players tournament at Brisbane in July against teams from South Africa, New Zealand and India's Karnataka State.

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said the line-up had been chosen carefully to give Australia options in the coming years. "We have selected these players to benefit the short-term and long-term future of Australian cricket and believe we have an even distribution of batsmen and bowlers who are all capable of playing at the next level," he said.

"With the Australian side currently reaching new heights in regards to fielding and fitness we think it is imperative that this next generation of players is exposed to the benefits the Centre of Excellence can provide." Last year's intake featured two players who have made a mark within the Australia team: Ben Hilfenhaus, who made his ODI debut on Sunday, and Adam Voges, who was briefly called into the Test squad when Damien Martyn retired.

"The 2006 AIS scholars are having a tremendous domestic season this year," Hilditch said. "We are confident that this trend will continue as all involved reap the benefits provided through accessing the best cricket coaching and facilities this country has to offer." Hilfenhaus was one of six players offered a part-time place this year, while three development cricketers will attend the centre during school holidays.

AIS squad Mark Cosgrove (SA), Dan Cullen (SA), Ed Cowan (NSW), David Warner (NSW), Philip Hughes (NSW), Craig Philipson (Qld), Grant Sullivan (Qld), Luke Ronchi (WA), Luke Pomersbach (WA), Aaron Heal (WA), Shawn Gillies (WA), Brendan Drew (Tas), Matthew Wade (Tas), Peter Siddle (Vic), Michael Hill (Vic), Aaron Finch (Vic).

Part-time squad Ben Hilfenhaus (Tas), Luke Butterworth (Tas), Cullen Bailey (SA), Shaun Marsh (WA), Moises Henriques (NSW), Andrew McDonald (Vic).

Development squad James Pattinson (Vic), Kumar Sarna (Vic), James Faulkner (Tas).