Mark Waugh dropped for first Ashes Test

Mark Waugh was dropped from Australia's team on Monday for the first Ashes Test against England starting on November 7 in Brisbane, possibly signalling the end of his brilliant international career.

Waugh lost his place to South Australian left-hander Darren Lehmann after an indifferent run of form. The 37-year-old has averaged just over 30 in his last 12 Tests and has not scored a century since the last Ashes Test against England 14 months ago.

"I am obviously sad for Mark who has been such a great player for Australia for so many years," said Lehmann, who played the last of his five Tests in January 1999.

"But at the same time I am delighted and very grateful to get another chance at Test level."

Waugh's omission is likely to signal the end of his distinguished Test career. He has played 128 tests for Australia since his debut against England in 1991, scoring more than 8,000 runs, including 20 centuries.

But he has been under intense pressure to hold his place after being dropped from the one-day squad earlier this year and struggling to score in the Test arena.

POPULAR CHOICE

Lehmann, 32, was the popular choice to replace him after taking his one-day spot and scoring heavily in the Australian interstate championship, where he is the all-time leading run-scorer.

"Although's it's been (almost) four years since my last Test, I never gave up hope of getting back and I thought I was close after being picked on the last two Test tours," said Lehmann, Australia's domestic player of the year for the past three seasons.

"I have obviously seen a lot of the English bowlers by playing for Yorkshire over the last few years and hopefully I can use that experience to our advantage in Brisbane."

The only other change Australia's selectors made to the side that beat Pakistan in last week's third Test in Sharjah was the inclusion of fast bowler Jason Gillespie.

Gillespie missed that match because of a calf strain but has been recalled pending a fitness test. Brad Williams is likely to come into the squad as 12th man if he is ruled out.

Australian squad:

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.

Also read: Mark Waugh quits international cricket

Mail Cricket Editor