Australian squad announced

SYDNEY, OCT. 31. Australia's cricket selectors on Wednesday named the same 11 players, who won the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval in August plus Queensland fast bowler Andy Bichel as 12th man for the first Test against New Zealand at Brisbane's Gabba ground from November 8.

However, captain Steve Waugh, who has been suffering from deep vein thrombosis in a leg, has to prove his fitness in a Sydney club game this weekend.

The selectors had an easy task with all Australia's Test players showing form in recent state matches. The only concern had been for the 12th man place.

Opener Justin Langer and paceman Brett Lee have risen to the challenge and retained the only two berths that were in real doubt.

Lee's second innings effort (five for 56) for New South Wales against South Australia proved he was over his side injury and his extra pace will be useful against the Kiwis, despite his mediocre Ashes performances.

Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Lee and Shane Warne form the attack with Bichel the predictable 12th man. The last 10 Tests at the Gabba - and 17 of the last 20 Tests there - have seen a Queenslander included in the Australian attack.

lThe team (Australia): Steve Waugh (Capt.), Adam Gilchrist (vice- capt.), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Andy Bichel.

- AFP

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Section  : Sport
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