Pole vault superstar Steve Hooker headlines a strong Australian team announced yesterday for the world championships in South Korea, with expectations of at least five medals.

Hooker will defend the title he won in 2009 in Berlin, as will discus thrower Dani Samuels.

Nathan Deakes, meanwhile, returns from a long spell out with injury in the 50km walk, the event he won in 2007 in Osaka.

The number of world champions will swell to four if two-time 400m hurdles gold medallist Jana Pittman can prove her fitness.

While 24 selections were named, the team is expected to number about 40 by the deadline of July 31.

The world championships will be held in Daegu, South Korea from August 27-September 4.

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