Shaun Tait called-up to replace the injured Brett Lee

Cricket Australia today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen South Australian paceman Shaun Tait to replace the injured Brett Lee on the Travelex Tour of Sri Lanka.

The uncapped Tait, 21, earned selection for Australia A earlier in the season, playing a first-class match against India in Hobart, then two limited-overs matches against Zimbabwe in Perth and Adelaide.

The right-armer claimed 33 first-class wickets for the season, and in January, created history at the Adelaide Oval by becoming the first bowler to take eight wickets in an Australian domestic limited-overs match.

Commenting on Tait's selection, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "Shaun Tait is a quality young quick who has impressed us with his raw pace over the summer. "We have selected him specifically as a like-replacement for Brett Lee who was the quickest bowler in our touring line-up.

"It's a great opportunity for Shaun, and a selection decision with a view to the future.

"Obviously names such as Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath were discussed, but on this occasion we felt that Shaun was the most suitable player to fill the void left by Brett's departure," he said.

A 2003 scholar at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy, Tait was last month named the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal presentation, and the ING Cup's Best New Talent in season 2003-04.

The award, presented to the nation's most outstanding player under the age of 24, was voted on by all contracted first-class players.