Symonds and Watson create selection poser

Australia should consider playing both Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson in the first Test against New Zealand, according to the former captain Steve Waugh. The idea has also won qualified support from Michael Hussey, who believes Watson can do the job as the third fast bowler provided he does not have to send down so many overs that his injury-prone body is in danger of breaking down.

Symonds has been Australia's regular Test No. 6 in the past couple of years and Watson took on the role during the recent tour of India. Both men have been named in the 13-man squad for the Gabba Test, which starts on Thursday, and Waugh said it should not be assumed that one of them would miss out.

"It's a difficult choice," Waugh told the Weekend Australian. "But Watson did very well [in India] and he might come in as a third quick. I think Australia would like to have both those players in the team if they can."

Symonds has struggled for batting form at first-class level but in his first match back in Australian colours, in the Twenty20 game against the All-Stars on Friday, he struck 45 from 35 balls. Ricky Ponting, Australia's captain, believes Symonds is one of those players who lift at the highest level.

"It is the same with a lot of those really talented players," Ponting said. "Michael Clarke is a good example of that, his average is probably low 40s at state level and mid 40s, 45 at Test level.

"He's like Gilly [Adam Gilchrist], if he gets in and gets going a Test match can change very, very quickly. You almost need that sort of player in that one to six role, he's good at batting with the tail, you know he can clear the fence in that situation and keep the scoreboard ticking over."

But if Symonds does regain his No. 6 position it creates a question for the selectors on whether to include Watson as well, and if so, who misses out. Jason Krejza would be desperately unlucky to be dropped after taking 12 wickets on debut and Stuart Clark, although he did not play in Nagpur, would be a valuable member of the attack at the Gabba.

Using Watson as the third seamer and batting him at No. 7 would be a bold move but his bowling form in India was impressive and he was Australia's third leading wicket taker with ten victims. But Watson is enjoying a rare injury-free year after his past few seasons have been constantly interrupted by fitness concerns, particularly hamstring problems, and Hussey hopes Watson is not asked to compromise his body with too great a workload.

"His bowling is very under-rated, he's always had good pace," Hussey told AAP. "In the last Test he got 4 for 40 in the second innings on a pretty flat wicket where he swung the ball.

"I think he could do a pretty good job in that role. What he's been through in the last couple of years though you wouldn't want him bowling 30-odd overs in a match, you'd rather him bowling 15-20."

The selectors will release one member from the 13-man group on Tuesday and the final makeup of the side might not be decided until the morning of the match. Clarke and Brett Lee, both of whom lost significant weight in India due to viruses, are expected to be fit for Thursday's Test.