Lee misses Test XI

Ricky Ponting wants Brett Lee, who missed Australia's starting XI again, to play in the Pura Cup final, but he will not release him until the second Test starts at Wellington tomorrow. Australia named an unchanged side after the nine-wicket win at Christchurch with Michael Kasprowicz holding off Lee's challenge.

Ponting said he was keen for Lee to bowl at the Gabba, but he had to stay in Wellington until the first ball in case of a late injury. Rain is forecast to delay the start of the Test and would further hamper Lee's cause.

Brad Haddin, the New South Wales captain, said Lee would be chosen for the final against Queensland, which starts tomorrow, only if he was available for the opening delivery. "If he's not here at the start of the game then I don't think we'll take him," Haddin told AAP. "It's not fair on the other guys. We've had three quicks that have done a great job all season." Poor weather is also expected in Brisbane tomorrow.

Australia 1 Justin Langer, 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Simon Katich, 7 Adam Gilchrist, 8 Shane Warne, 9 Jason Gillespie, 10 Michael Kasprowicz, 11 Glenn McGrath.