Australian squad for fifth Orange Test

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today announced that the National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen a 13-man squad for the fifth Orange Test match against England, beginning in Sydney on 2 January.

The squad is:

	STATE	AGE	CAPS
Stephen Waugh (captain)	NSW	37	155
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain)	WA	31	38
Andrew Bichel	QLD	32	10
Jason Gillespie	SA	27	38
Matthew Hayden	QLD	31	37
Brad Hogg	WA	31	1
Justin Langer	WA	32	58
Brett Lee	NSW	26	26
Martin Love	QLD	28	1
Stuart MacGill	NSW	31	18
Damien Martyn	WA	31	32
Glenn McGrath	NSW	32	91
Ricky Ponting	TAS	28	63

The squad shows one addition to the one that faced England in the fourth Orange Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Western Warriors left-arm wrist-spinner Brad Hogg drafted in to provide a second spinning option.

If Hogg plays it will be his first Test since his debut, against India in 1996-97, when he claimed 1-69 in Delhi.

This summer the 31 year-old has represented both Australia in the VB Series and Australia A in limited-overs matches, taking 3-32 in Australia A's clash with an England XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 8 December.

Commenting on Hogg's recall, NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said: "With Brad's selection we now have the option of playing a second spinner in Sydney should we decide to go that way.

"We still have a few days to decide on the eventual make-up of the team but the key to this selection is to create some flexibility, which we now have.

"Brad has performed well in international matches this season, whether it be for Australia or Australia A, and if he is selected in the Test eleven he will provide us with not just a second spinner, but also a useful batsman and versatile player in the field," said Hohns.

Glenn McGrath left the field on the fourth day of the fourth Orange Test suffering from discomfort in the left side of his back.

In the lead-up to the fifth Orange Test, his condition will be monitored and assessed by the ACB's medical staff.

Tickets can be purchased for the fifth Orange Test match through Ticketek on (02) 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com.au, although the first day is a sell-out.

The match will be broadcast live across Australia on the Nine Network and ABC Radio and there will also be live score updates at www.baggygreen.com.au, the official home of Australian cricket on the internet.

The Test squad will travel from Melbourne to Sydney on Tuesday 31 December.