Cricket: Australia announce team to play Black Caps

4.10pm

BRISBANE - Australia today named Brett Lee as their 12th man for the first cricket test against New Zealand starting tomorrow at the Gabba.

Captain Ricky Ponting admitted it was tough call on Lee as he was in good form in the nets this week but said his starting 11 picked themselves.

The selection allows in-form Queenslander Michael Kasprowicz to play his 10th straight test for the world champions.

Lee will be released from his 12th man duties to play for NSW in an ING Cup game on the weekend.

"He (Lee) is bowling very well at the moment," said Ponting. "He's really knocking on the door now. But Michael Kasprowicz deserves to be here."

Team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clark, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath. Brett Lee (12th man).

- AAP