Lehmann in, Symonds out of VB Series squad

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today announced that the National Selection Panel had chosen the following squad for the VB Series match against South Africa at the WACA Ground, Perth, on 3 February:

Southern Redbacks captain Darren Lehmann has been included in the squad for the first time since the fifth one-day international of the Kelvinator Tour of India in April 2001.

Queensland Bulls all-rounder Andrew Symonds makes way for Lehmann.

The left-hander's inclusion in the one-day international squad caps off yesterday's selection in the 15-man Test squad for the Travelex Australian Tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe 2002.

Lehmann is the leading run-scorer in Pura Cup and ING Cup cricket this season. He has scored 361 ING Cup runs in seven matches at an average of 72.20, including 101 against the NSW Blues at Coffs Harbour. His prolific scoring and handy left-arm orthodox spinners has seen him claim four ING Cup man-of-the-match awards.

From seven Pura Cup matches this season, the South Australian has 772 runs at 64.33.

On his selection in the VB Series one-day international squad, Lehmann said: "It's been a pretty good 24 hours for me. The news of my inclusion in the Test squad to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe was exciting on its own. To know that I will be joining the one-day international team for the Perth leg of the VB Series is icing on the cake.

"I've been happy with my form in ING Cup cricket this year and I'm looking forward to contributing to Australia's efforts in getting into the VB Series finals."

The day match between Australia and South Africa at the WACA Ground on 3 February is sold out. Play starts at 1030 (Perth time).

The umpires are Bob Parry and Steve Davis, with Darrell Hair the third umpire. Hanumant Singh (India) is the International Cricket Council match referee.