No surprises in Aussie squad

Australia are expected to field an unchanged side for the first Test against New Zealand starting in Brisbane on November 8 after they named a squad of 12 on Wednesday.

The squad included the same 11 who won the fifth Test of the Ashes series by an innings and 25 runs at The Oval in August.

Australia won the series 4-1, captained by Steve Waugh who made 157 not out at The Oval despite a calf muscle injury.

Waugh, 36, who is still recovering from the calf strain, which developed into a deep-vein thrombosis complaint, is the only player in the Australia team providing selectors with any fitness or form concerns.

Waugh has not played an Australian interstate match during the domestic season and will resume on November 3 for his Sydney club team Bankstown.

However, chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said this week Waugh was progressing well.

New Zealand are not expected to name their team until after their four-day match against Queensland state in Brisbane which starts on November 1.

Australia have named Queensland state fast bowler Andrew Bichel in their squad of 12, however Bichel is likely to be relegated to 12th man behind a bowling attack of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and leg-spinner Shane Warne.

Australia's leading batsmen including Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn, Ricky Ponting and openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden have all made centuries this month in Australian interstate cricket while the New Zealand bowlers have been unable to dismiss teams comprised of fringe state players.

Australia team:

Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh (captain), Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Bichel (likely 12th).

Mail Cricket Editor