James Horwill was named skipper and Scott Sio became the fourth uncapped player to join the party when Australia coach Robbie Deans finalised his 31-man squad for the British and Irish Lions series.

Deans announced the controversial elements of his squad selection on Sunday, ruling out the inclusion of fly-half Quade Cooper and welcoming Kurtley Beale back to the fold despite his battle with alcohol-related issues.

The other players included in the squad in addition to the 25 initially picked last month were lock Hugh McMeniman, fit-again winger Digby Ioane, centre Pat McCabe and utility forward Peter Kimlin.

Deans said the decision to pick Beale was helped by his versatility and made in agreement with his counsellors, whose work will continue while he is in the squad.

“He showed that as recently as last year’s spring tour when he performed outstandingly and led the team from fly-half in adverse circumstances against many of the opposition players we now face again,” Deans said in a news release.

“His work last week during the first camp supported our contention that it was not too soon for him to get started again, from either a physical or a mental stand point.

“His physical state is a testament, both to how hard he has worked, but also his desire to get started again.”

Queensland Reds lock Horwill has held the captaincy when fit since assuming the role in a shock decision made on the eve on the 2011 World Cup, and his resumption of the role after missing last year’s international season was no surprise.