Lee dropped, Bichel in for first Test

BRISBANE - Paceman Brett Lee has been dropped from Australian Test cricket side for the first time in his 24-Test career.

Lee has been named as 12th man for the first Test of the Ashes series against England starting at the Gabba tomorrow.

Andrew Bichel was preferred ahead of Lee, joining a three-man pace attack with Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.

While he was officially named 12th man, Lee will be released to play for New South Wales in the Pura Cup game against Tasmania starting at the SCG on Friday.

Australia: Steve Waugh (capt), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Andrew Bichel, Glenn McGrath. Brett Lee 12th man.