Lee named 12th man for first Test
Sportal
Brett Lee will carry the drinks in Brisbane after captain Ricky Ponting revealed Australia has retained the same fast bowlers for the first Test against New Zealand.
Speaking on the eve of the match at the Gabba, Ponting said that while Lee is unlucky not to be able to force his way back into the XI, he believes that Michael Kasprowicz deserves to keep his place.
"He is bowling very well at the moment," Ponting said of Lee, who will be released to play for New South Wales in its ING Cup clash with Victoria this weekend at the Junction Oval. "He's really knocking on the door now. But Michael Kasprowicz deserves to be here."
With Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Kasprowicz to perform the fast bowling duties, the only changes to the team beaten by India in the fourth Test in Mumbai see the returns of Darren Lehmann and Shane Warne in place of Simon Katich and Nathan Hauritz.
The Black Caps are yet to finalise their line-up for the match though, with captain Stephen Fleming (virus), his batsman Nathan Astle (back) and spinner Daniel Vettori (shoulder) all still in doubt.
Australian first Test team
Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist (v-c), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee (12th man)
