Symonds, Watson possible replacements for Williams

Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds are being considered as possible replacements for Brad Williams, who was yesterday ruled out of next month's two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Symonds made his Test debut in Sri Lanka in March, and in the two Test matches he has played, has scored just 53 runs at 13.25 and taken only one wicket. Watson, who returned to the one-day side in Zimbabwe after overcoming back stress fractures, is yet to play a Test for Australia.

Matthew Nicholson, from New South Wales, and Damien Wright, from Tasmania, are also in strong contention if the selectors opt for a fifth fast bowler, but Trevor Hohns hinted that he may take this chance to pick an allrounder. "This does test our fast bowling depth," Hohns said. "Normally we would like to replace like with like but this does offer an opportunity to include an allrounder."

Nicholson, who played has played one Test, against England in 1998, was the leading Pura Cup wicket taker last year with 39 at 30.35. Wright finished the summer with 37 wickets at 26.48, while Paul Rofe, a South Australian, who took 35 wickets at 27.02, will also be discussed.