Lee out of Australian squad for third Test

Brett Lee has been left out of the Australian squad for the third Test to enable him to play for New South Wales against Western Australia in an ING Cup match on January 2. Stuart MacGill, the legspinner, and Shane Watson, the allrounder, have been added to the XI which won the second Test against Pakistan at Melbourne.

Trevor Hohns, the chairman of the national selection panel, said the decision to release Lee was taken after discussions with the player. "Following discussions with Brett, we have agreed to give him the chance to get some more game-time under his belt by being available to play for New South Wales," said Hohns. "We felt it was unlikely Brett would be selected to play in Sydney, as the three fast bowlers currently in the XI are doing a very good job. So in Brett's best interests, we feel it is important for him to get some solid match practice, not just for New South Wales, but also for Australia A over the next couple of weeks."

Hohns added that the selection panel was sensitive to Lee's position. "We acknowledge that the last few months have been frustrating for him, but his attitude and work ethic have been first-class."

Watson came in for special praise, with Hohns describing him as an "an exciting young talent". Hohns added: "Shane gives us the option of going into the match with a combination of two fast bowlers, two spinners and a seamer. His inclusion in the squad certainly gives us some variety if needed. Although he has yet to play a Test, Shane has plenty of experience as part of this squad, most recently in India, so if selected, we feel that he should be able to settle in and do a job for us."

Hohns also gave MacGill the thumbs-up. "Stuart gives us the ability to play two spinners if needed. He has taken a lot of wickets for New South Wales, and has plenty of experience at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He is a proven performer for us, whenever opportunities have been presented to him."

The third Test against Pakistan begins on Sunday (January 2) at Sydney.

Australia squad 1 Justin Langer, 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Darren Lehmann, 6 Michael Clarke, 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Shane Warne, 9 Jason Gillespie, 10 Michael Kasprowicz, 11 Glenn McGrath, 12 Shane Watson, 13 Stuart MacGill.