Brett Lee Recalles For Ashses

Paceman Brett Lee has been recalled to Australia's Test squad for this summer's Ashses series.
Lee, who uses Woodworm cricket bats, has not played Test cricket since he broke down in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa with a foot injury that required surgery.

He has eased his way back into action recently by playing in the Indian Premier League in South Africa and he also made his international return in the Twenty20 game against Pakistan in Dubai earlier this month.

Lee who use Woodworm cricket bats, has now been named in Australia's squad for the Ashes and is one of only five survivors from the side that was beaten here four years ago.

But there is no place in the squad for Andrew Symonds or Brad Hodge as Australia's selectors rewarded their heroes from their recent Test series win in South Africa.

Symonds and Hodge were overlooked for Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald, who performed with distinction in South Africa.

All-rounder Shane Watson has also been included even he has now bowled since last December. But the selectors expect him to be fully fit for the start of the Ashes and the ICC World Twenty20.

Nathan Hauritz was preferred ahead of Victorian Bryce McGain after performing well in recent one-dayers in South Africa and the UAE.

Australia have also named a reserve wicketkeeper with Graham Manou of South Australia the man who will understudy Brad Haddin. Cricket equipment also vital in this tournament

The new-look squad includes contains only four players who have played a Test in England and 11 first-time Ashes tourists.
"The core of the squad is made up of the side which successfully won the Test series in South Africa and includes Phillip Hughes and Marcus North who both scored hundreds on debut," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

"We expect the Ashes to be an exciting and riveting encounter, consistent with the great tradition of rivalry between England and Australia.

"Attempting to beat England on home soil is a great challenge for this young Australian squad and both Ricky and the squad are looking forward to it immensely. It promises to be a very exciting series."

The first Test starts in Cardiff on July 8.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.

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