Williams, Katich and Hogg in for injury-hit Australia

If Zimbabwe had any reason to think that the list of Australian injuries might make their job in tomorrow's second Test a little easier, then they should think again. Newcomers in any side want to make an impression, and so rarely do opportunities come in the Australian side that Brad Williams, Simon Katich and Brad Hogg have everything to play for at Sydney.

Stuart MacGill's calf strain was the latest in a line of injuries for the Australians, who have been forced to make three changes to the previous side which walloped Zimbabwe by an innings and 175 runs at Perth. MacGill aggravated his calf while bowling in the first Test but had hoped to be fit in time. However, he failed to pass a fitness test and Hogg steps in to take his place.

Williams makes his debut in place of the injured Jason Gillespie, while Katich, set to play only his second Test after a two-year gap, replaces Darren Lehmann, out with a sore achilles tendon. Katich has played 100 first-class games and averages 49.02, including 21 centuries, while Williams has taken 181 wickets at 30.34 in 51 matches. It can be a long wait for international recognition in Australia.

Steve Waugh, in his 53rd Test in charge, gave Katich the thumbs up before the match. "He's ready made for Test match cricket. He's got a great temperament, a very determined cricketer. I thought he batted very well towards the end of last season. He's had a good season for Hampshire too."

On Williams, Waugh said: "He's come back from serious back injuries. He was a tearaway four or five years ago, probably the quickest in Australia, he's still pretty quick now, but he knows his game better now. He's worked hard, he's been 12th man a number of occasions. He's looking forward to it so it's a great opportunity for him."

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's aim will be to improve their top-order batting and be more competitive in this Test, their first at Sydney. They are expected to name an unchanged team, but were encouraged by Douglas Hondo getting through a full training session yesterday. However, he is still woefully short of match practice. There was also a slight concern over a knee strain to Sean Ervine, but it is not bad enough to prevent him from playing tomorrow.

If, as expected, Australia secure another innings victory, it will be their fourth in succession. But one of the most interesting features of the match will be how the Zimbabwe bowlers shape up, how much hunger Matthew Hayden has after his record-breaking innings at Perth, and who, among the other Australian batsmen, can cash in on their opportunity.

Australia 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Simon Katich, 6 Steve Waugh (capt), 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Andy Bichel, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Brad Hogg, 11 Brad Williams.

Zimbabwe (probable) 1 Dion Ebrahim, 2 Trevor Gripper, 3 Mark Vermeulen, 4 Stuart Carlisle, 5 Craig Wishart, 6 Craig Evans, 7 Heath Streak (capt), 8 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 9 Sean Ervine, 10 Andy Blignaut, 11 Ray Price.