Lee replaces Bichel for third Ashes Test

Australia's fastest bowler Brett Lee has been recalled for the third Ashes cricket Test against England starting on Friday.

Lee replaced Andy Bichel in the only change to the side that won the first two Tests of the five-match series.

Australian captain Steve Waugh told a news conference on Thursday that Lee had been given the nod ahead of Bichel because of his extra pace.

"Andy's obviously disappointed, he's played well but it came down to who's going to bowl the fastest," Waugh said.

Lee was dropped for the first two matches after struggling with his form on the recent series against Pakistan but fought his way after claiming 21 wickets in just two first-class matches.

Lee also has a great record at the WACA, Australia's fastest and bounciest pitch, having taken 15 wickets in two previous Tests there.

Australian opener Matthew Hayden was also cleared to play after passing a fitness Test.

Man of the match in the first Test in Brisbane after making twin centuries, Hayden underwent surgery twice in the past week for haemorrhoids but has been cleared to play.

Australia:
Steve Waugh (captain), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Andy Bichel (12th man)

Mail Cricket Editor