Symonds included in Test squad

Andrew Symonds has been included in the Test squad for the first time, while Shane Warne, Michael Kasprowicz and Darren Lehmann return to the squad after respective spells on the sidelines.

Warne returns following a 12-month suspension for taking a banned drug, while Lehmann got the opportunity to play his first match since the first Test against Zimbabwe in Perth last year.

Kasprowicz, who was been retained from Australia's one-day international team, returned to the Test squad for the first time in almost three years. His last appearance for Australia was during the epic Test match against India in Kolkata in March 2001.

Wade Seccombe, the Queenslander, has also been named as the squad's replacement wicket-keeper. Seccombe has previously toured with the Australian Test side in England in 2001.

Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said that the selected squad represented a new and exciting era for Australian cricket. He said, "At this time of year Sri Lanka can be one of the most challenging places in the world to tour, but we're confident that this squad has both the experience and the ability to perform strongly in the conditions.Andrew Symonds has had an outstanding year in the one-day arena, and we think it's timely that he now gets his opportunity to prove himself in Test cricket. He brings an extremely versatile package to the group, and gives us several different options in these conditions."

He also spoke about the reserve wicketkeeper. "Wade Seccombe has been included as cover for Adam Gilchrist, and at this stage we feel that he's the more suitable Test match option, with Brad Haddin preferred for the one-day format."

After making a successful comeback with Victoria, Hohns said, Warne's inclusion was testament to his world-class qualities. "Despite his 12-month absence, Shane is still one of the best spin bowlers in the world, and I'm sure he'll have an important role to play on Sri Lanka's flat, turning wickets.He's clearly worked extremely hard on his fitness over the last few months, and we've been impressed with way he has bowled for Victoria since his return. There's no doubt that Shane is a great asset for Australian cricket. We're lucky to have two leg spinners of the highest quality in the Australian squad."

He also justified Stuart MacGill's inclusion and said, "Stuart MacGill's performances over the last 12-months have been second to none and we're confident both players can work together in tandem."

About Lehmann and Kasprowicz, Hohns said, that they were proven performers on sub-continent wickets, and would be warmly welcomed back into the squad. "Darren is the type of batsman who could really trouble the Sri Lankan attack. We all know how good he is against the spinners, but his experience and leadership will be of equal significance. He's worked hard to regain his fitness following injury and his form in both domestic competitions this year has been strong."

About Kasprowicz, he said, "Michael has been out of the Test squad for a while now, but has consistently been a prolific wicket-taker for Queensland in the Pura Cup, and has previously performed well in these types of conditions. He's currently bowling as well as anyone in Australia and deserves his chance."

He also had a word for the one who just missed out. "Andy Bichel and Nathan Bracken are unlucky to miss out, and we still need to see Glenn McGrath bowl in first-class match conditions before he can be considered for selection. The performances of players such as Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge and Matthew Elliott have certainly been noted, but unfortunately there's only room for so many players."

Squad 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Darren Lehmann, 5 Damien Martyn, 6 Andrew Symonds, 7 Simon Katich, 8 Adam Gilchrist(wk), 9 Wade Seccombe (wk), 10 Shane Warne, 11 Jason Gillespie, 12 Michael Kasprowicz, 13 Brad Williams, 14 Stuart MacGill, 15 Brett Lee