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Lee in for Melbourne Test

MELBOURNE DEC. 22. Brett Lee was expectedly included in the Australian team for the second Test starting on December 26.

Cricket Australia on Monday announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) had replaced injured fast-bowler Jason Gillespie with New South Welshman Lee in the 12-man Australian squad.

Lee returns to the squad having recovered from the abdominal injury he sustained during Australia's nine-wicket win in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Sydney last October, according to Cricket Australia's announcement. The injury forced him to withdraw from Australia's one-day international tour of India during which he used the recovery period to undergo elective surgery to his left ankle.

Since returning from injury, Lee has played three matches for New South Wales (two Pura Cup and one ING Cup match) where his most recent match against Tasmania in Sydney saw him claim five-wickets in the first innings.

The NSP chairman Trevor Hohns said, "Brett is an established Test player and has demonstrated that he is back to full fitness following injury. The two Pura Cup matches he now has under his belt have been ideal preparation for his comeback, and we were encouraged by his recent form against Tasmania in Sydney. Brett always adds some zest to the attack and will be supported by our other bowlers who we felt, despite the loss, served the side well in Adelaide."

Gillespie, who suffered a strain to his right groin during the second Test in Adelaide will travel to Melbourne to undergo treatment with Australian physiotherapist, Errol Alcott. Brad Williams, meanwhile, who sustained a strain to his left shoulder joint during the Adaelaie Test, has been declared fit, the release concluded.

The squad: Steve Waugh (captain), Ricky Ponting, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn and Brad Williams. — Our Special Correspondent

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