Selectors also found room in the 15-man squad for back-up wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, with Adam Gilchrist gaining permission to travel three days later than the rest of the squad as his wife is expecting their third child.

Leg-spinner Cameron White was also overlooked for the Caribbean with selectors relying on wrist-spinner Brad Hogg, complemented by spin part-timers Michael Clarke and Symonds.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Tait was preferred to Clark, believing the South Australian slinger was a more attacking option.

Just over a month ago Clark finished Australia's leading bowler in the 5-0 Ashes Test series win over England with 26 wickets at 17.03.

"I don't think we are taking a risk at all," Hilditch said of Tait, who has played just two one-day internationals, taking three wickets at 31.33. In the tri-series Clark captured 10 wickets in six games at 28.90.

"We think he's an exciting addition to the squad, we think it's an attacking move -- we have picked someone who we think can help us win a World Cup.

"Stuart Clark (was) desperately unlucky, but after a very difficult decision time, Shaun Tait's extra pace in the power plays, and particularly at the end of the innings, has seen his well warranted selection."

Symonds' inclusion comes despite the match-winning all-rounder recuperating from surgery last week on a torn bicep tendon.

"His rehabilitation following surgery is going as well, if not better than expected," Hilditch said.

"Forward planning is that the risk of taking him so shortly after surgery was warranted."

Symonds, whose absence was sorely missed as Australia crashed to a stunning 2-0 loss to England in last weekend's tri-series finals, said he expects to play a role in the World Cup.

"I firmly believe I'm going to play hopefully half of the World Cup if not more," Symonds said.

Symonds said it could be another three to four weeks before he could bat, bowl or throw a ball and has earmarked the Australian game against South Africa at Basseterre, St. Kitts on March 24 for his comeback.

"The shoulder is starting to heal quickly. I was told if I was going to have problems with it after the surgery, like shoulder freeze or problems with the joint, it would have been in the first 10 days," he said.

"It hasn't done that and it feels really good which hopefully is a good sign of quick healing."

Hilditch said Gilchrist was expected to be available for Australia's warm-up games against Zimbabwe on March 6 and England on March 9.

Haddin was rewarded for his dominance in interstate cricket, adding versatility to the squad by being Gilchrist's back-up or ability to play as a specialist batsman.

"To be part of a World Cup campaign is every cricketer's dream," said Haddin, who in the dashing style of Gilchrist has scored 669 runs in this season's Sheffield Shield at 55.75.

Hilditch sees Haddin's run-making ability and wicketkeeping skills as a big bonus for the Australian squad.

"We see him capable of batting everywhere in the order and he gives us massive flexibility for the Cup," Hilditch said.

"In addition, he provides us with cover as a second wicketkeeper should Adam Gilchrist become injured during the tournament."

Australia begin their quest for a third consecutive World Cup against Scotland (March 14) and the Netherlands (March 18) before their final group game against the world number two team, South Africa, on March 24.

Squad
Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.