Australia drop out-of-form trio

The tour to England was one Martyn will want to forget

Australia have dropped Damien Martyn, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz for next month's Super Series Test against a Rest of the World XI.

Shane Watson or Brad Hodge will replace Martyn in the final XI for the game in Sydney from 14-19 October.

Gillespie and Kasprowicz struggled with the ball during the Ashes series and the selectors have kept faith with the promising Shaun Tait.

Matthew Hayden kept his Test spot but was omitted from the one-day team.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said it was time to make changes following the series in England, which Australia lost 2-1, but stressed the Test careers of Martyn, Gillespie and Kasprowicz were not over.

Gillespie, who managed only three wickets in three Tests in three Ashes Tests, said he was "extremely disappointed" to lose his place.

"Such a big occasion in world cricket is something every cricketer would love to take part in.

"I will certainly be a very keen observer of this fantastic event and will be cheering the lads on all the way."

He added: "My goals now are to focus on training and preparation for the summer... and put some good performances together with the view of giving the Australian selectors every reason to select me.

Martyn had the consolation of keeping his place in the one-day squad for three games against the the World XI in Melbourne on 5, 7 and 9 October.

"We have rejigged the one-day side to what we hope will provide a range of options to take on a formidable World XI side, as well as forming the nucleus of the 2007 squad for the World Cup," said Hohns.

Hopes is currently touring Pakistan with the Australia A team

Fast bowlers Tait and Nathan Bracken were included, along with all-rounder James Hopes, who made his sole appearance so far against New Zealand in March.

"Both Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken have performed strongly in the ING Cup competition and deserve their opportunity.

"Bracken is a steady performer and any time we have played him in our top side, he has performed. We have every confidence he can do the job required," Hohns continued.

"Hopes gives us another all-round option, and can open the batting if required. We are confident that he can add a new dimension to our team."

Australia are still number one in the International Cricket Council Test and limited-overs rankings.

But Cricket Australia officials are conducting a full review of the Ashes tour to England to try and establish the reasons for their defeat.

---

Test squad:

Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting (captain), Shaun Tait, Shane Warne, Shane Watson.

One-day squad:

Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting (captain), Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson.