Katich left out of 1st Test squad

Left-handed batsman Simon Katich has been dropped from the Australian squad to play New Zealand in the first Test at Brisbane, to make way for a returning Darren Lehmann.

Lehmann's participation however is still in a doubt as he is yet to pass a fitness test on his hamstring, which he pulled in the third Test against India at Nagpur.

Chief selector Trevor Honns said, "Darren is a highly-respected, experienced campaigner and is still our preferred choice at this stage."

Katich, who had a successful Indian tour, replacing captain Ricky Ponting effectively in the top order, scoring 276 runs at 39.42, including a crucial 99 in the second innings at Nagpur, has to miss out in the original 12-man squad, with Michael Clarke having sealed his place on the back of outstanding performances in India.

"We have every faith in Simon, and are very confident that he will play in the Australian Test team again in the not too distant future," Honns said.

However, in case Lehmann doesn't pass fit ahead of the Test, Katich will take his spot.

Meanwhile, Shane Warne too returns from a thumb injury, replacing Nathan Hauritz. Warne missed the final Test at Mumbai, after he broke his right hand thumb in two places during batting bet sessions.

Honns said, "Nathan certainly put his name forward during the fourth Test as a future prospect for Australia. However, with Shane looking like he will be fit in time for the Brisbane Test, it was only natural that he comes back into the side."

The first of the two Tests between the trans-Tasman rivals begins on November 18 in Brisbane, with the second one in Adelaide a week later.

SQUAD:
Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (wicket-keeper), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee.

Posted by Sudeep