Williams to replace Gillespie for final two Tests

MELBOURNE - Australian fast bowler Brad Williams will replace the injured Jason Gillespie for the final two cricket Tests against Pakistan in Sharjah.

Gillespie strained his right calf in the final minutes of the 41-run victory in the first Test yesterday in Colombo.

Williams, 27, has never played Test cricket, although he did make his international one-day debut last season.

He impressed selectors on the recent Australia A tour of South Africa. Williams has claimed 156 wickets at 30.48 in 43 first-class matches for Victoria and Western Australia and has long been regarded as one of the quickest bowlers in Australia.

But paceman Andy Bichel or off-spinner Nathan Hauritz are more likely replacements for Gillespie for the second Test against Pakistan starting in Sharjah on Friday.

Williams will fly out from Perth today.