Kasprowicz replaces Bichel in 13-man squad

Michael Kasprowicz has been drafted into the Australian squad in place of Andy Bichel for the best-of-three finals of the VB Series. Michael Hussey, who played in Australia's last match, against India at Perth, has been left out of the 13-man squad.

Commenting on the decision to drop Bichel, Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said: "It is fair to say that Andy Bichel has not been bowling as well as we would like, and we feel that a spell at state level might help him recapture his form. Michael Kasprowicz deserves this opportunity. We were impressed with his work on the recent one-day tour of India, and his performances for Queensland over a long period of time have been first-class. The decision to leave Andy out of the side was a judgement call that we had to make."

Kasprowicz has taken 11 wickets in the ING Cup - the domestic one-day competition - this season at an average of 15.81. Bichel, on the other hand, has struggled with the Australian team all season. After less-than-impressive performances in the Tests, he has only managed three wickets in six matches in the VB Series at an average of over 65 and an economy rate of nearly five-and-a-half.

The first of the three finals - for which Australia and India have already qualified - will be held on February 6 at Melbourne.

Squad Ricky Ponting (capt), Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Andrew Symonds, Ian Harvey, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie, Brad Williams.