Darren Lehmann Dropped

Darren Lehmann has been dropped for the New Zealand ODI tour starting next week following disapponting performances with the bat during the recently completed VB Series.

Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, has said he felt with Lehmann turning 35 this coming weekend it was the right time to look at other options in building an Australian team for the next World Cup in 2007.

Darren Lehmann has averaged 38.96 with the bat and 27.78 with the ball across 117 ODIs.

Mike Hussey the Western Australian batsman has replaced Lehmann while the injured Shane Watson has handed 26 year-old Australia A player James Hopes a tour spot.

The full ODI touring squad is as follows:

Australia Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (wk), Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds.