By IANS
Sydney : Australia have announced their squad for the new era with Phil Jaques, Shaun Tait and Brad Hogg in a 13-man list for the first Test against Sri Lanka Thursday.
The first Test starts at the Gabba in Brisbane next Thursday, Nov 8.
It is Australia’s first Test series since Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne retired after the Ashes.
Jaques opens with Matthew Hayden while spinner Hogg will vie with Stuart MacGill for Warne’s place.
Brett Lee leads the pace attack as Tait and Mitchell Johnson compete for the place vacated by McGrath.
Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch admitted the experience of picking a Test side after the retirements of three great players was daunting.
“It’s the first time any of us have sat down and named a side that doesn’t include the greats like Warne and McGrath,” he said.
The squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait.