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Rediff.com  » Sports » Australia drop Lehmann, Kasprowicz

Australia drop Lehmann, Kasprowicz

By Julian Linden
January 01, 2005 18:13 IST
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Batsman Darren Lehmann and fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz have been dropped from Australia's team to play Pakistan in the third and final Test starting on Sunday.

Lehmann lost his spot to all-rounder Shane Watson, who will make his Test debut, while leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was recalled at the expense of Kasprowicz, who will act as 12th man.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said the selectors had agonised for days about changing the team after the world champions had easily won the first two Tests.

"There was a lot of talk about whether we should keep the same team because everyone had done a great job... but this selection was made wholly and solely for this game and for these conditions," Ponting told reporters on Saturday.

"As far as I'm concerned, no-one's been dropped but I am a believer in picking the best possible team you can for the opposition and for the conditions you're playing in.

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"I think it's looking like an SCG wicket of old. The whole square is very dry and barren and Pakistan have never been great players of leg-spin bowling."

Lehmann had been under pressure to retain his place after failing to make a big score in the first two Tests but Kasprowicz had bowled superbly and was expected to be included in the team.

Kasprowicz is likely to be recalled for next month's tour of New Zealand and Lehmann said he was also confident his Test career was not finished.

PROVEN PERFORMER

"It's disappointing to miss out but Ricky (Ponting) and AB (selector Allan Border) were really clear when they explained the horses for courses nature of the decision so I'm reasonably upbeat," he said.

MacGill, who has been in great form during the domestic first-class competition this season, has been a proven performer for Australia over the years whenever he has been called upon to replace Shane Warne.

The spinner has not played a Test since his refusal to tour Zimbabwe last year on moral grounds.

Watson, 23, has been in and out of the Australian one-day team for the past couple of seasons. His progress has been stalled by back problems and Ponting said he deserved his Test debut.

"We're not just in the habit of giving away a baggy green cap, you have to work really hard for it and deserve that spot and I think Shane Watson's done that," Ponting said.

"He has matured a lot over the past 12 to 18 months, he's bowling quick and his batting has come on in leaps and bounds.

"He'll have a lot of adrenalin running through his body it's an exciting time for anyone to play their first Test."

Australia team - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill, Michael Kasprowicz (12th man).

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Julian Linden
Source: REUTERS
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