Aussies call up paceman Johnson

Johnson has been closely monitored by the selectors

Australia have drafted left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson into their squad for the final match of their one-day series in New Zealand.

Uncapped Johnson replaces Brett Lee, who has returned home to seek treatment for a nasal problem.

Batsman Michael Clarke is a doubt for the Christchurch game after coming down with gastroenteritis.

"We'll just have to wait and see how he pulls up," Australia physiotherapist Errol Alcott said.

Johnson, 24, was discovered as a teenager by former Test great Dennis Lillee and attended his pace bowling academy in Madras (Chennai).

Even though it's only for one match I'm pretty excited to be given the chance Mitchell Johnson

He has only played a dozen first-class matches, taking 29 wickets at a cost of 37 runs each, but toured Pakistan with the Australia A side in September.

"Mitchell Johnson is a young player that we've had our eye on for a while," chief selector Trevor Hohns said.

"We felt this was an ideal opportunity to get him involved in the Australian one-day team environment. "It is certainly a selection with a view to the future."

If selected for Saturday's game, Johnson would be the second seam bowler given a debut by Australia in New Zealand following Mick Lewis's first appearance in the two-run victory at Wellington.

Johnson added: "Even though it's only for one match, I'm pretty excited to be given the chance to be involved in the Australia squad, and thrilled the selectors even have me in their thoughts."

Lee took four wickets in the first two games in New Zealand

Lee, meanwhile, said he was disdappointed to miss the final game, with Australia looking to wrap up a 3-0 clean sweep.

But he added: "I am grateful that I can return home and give priority to getting my health right."

Lee has been having difficulties breathing because of a narrowing of his left nasal passage and is to see an ear, nose and throat specialist in Sydney.

He suffered from a similar problem during this summer's Ashes tour to England and underwent hospital treatment before the Test series.

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has defended Lee after he sent down a beamer to New Zealand's Brendon McCullum during the second game.

"No-one means to do it, Brett certainly doesn't mean to do it...so I just hope everyone understands that," he said.

"If he says it's an accident, it's an accident" was the response of New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.