Martyn back in Australian squad

Damien Martyn has returned to the Australian squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Perth on October 8. Brad Williams is also in the first 13, as cover for Glenn McGrath.

After missing Australia's tour to the West Indies, and the two home Tests against Bangladesh, Martyn has regained his place at the expense of Martin Love of Queensland. Martyn had broken his right index finger at the World Cup in March.

"I guess it's a sense of relief really because such is the depth in Australian cricket that as soon as your relinquish your position for injury or whatever reason, another player can just as easily take your spot. It's pleasing that the selectors have seen fit to pick me," Martyn said.

"I guess from a fitness point of view I was able to demonstrate that I was ready for Test cricket again after the one-dayers against Bangladesh and my recent stint in England. I'm feeling good and looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd."

Trevor Hohns, the chairman of the National Selection Panel, said, "We feel that the squad has the necessary depth for this Test match and it is for that reason that we have only made minor changes to the team that faced Bangladesh. Martin Love misses out on selection this time, which is a tough call considering his most recent Test innings saw him register a century. On that front his omission is not form-based, it's simply a case of not having enough positions to accommodate him.

"Martin has demonstrated his ability to step up to the Test level, and that's an encouraging sign for the future of Australian cricket. However, Damien Martyn is an established Test player and deserves the chance to come back into the side after injury."

Hohns said McGrath was recovering from surgery to his left ankle and he would be monitored right through the lead-up to the Test. Advice from the medical team was that his recovery was "promising".

The squad Steve Waugh (capt), Ricky Ponting, Andrew Bichel, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Brad Williams.