Australia demonstrated their confidence leading into the opening Ashes test by naming their side three days ahead of schedule today, revealing they had left out Justin Langer.
While England were forced into deliberations about the fitness of several of their key players, Australia waited until the end of their practice at Edgbaston before confirming they had droppedLanger for the first test, beginning on July 5th.
The former Middlesex batsman has been overlooked in favour of Damien Martyn, who has started the tour well in the one-day series and in the several tour matches since their arrival just over a month ago.
Langer's omission allows in-form Ricky Ponting to move up to bat at number three, and Martyn will take over in the number six position.
Australia
ML Hayden, MS Slater, RT Ponting, ME Waugh, SR Waugh (capt), DR Martyn, AC Gilchrist (wkt), SK Warne, B Lee, JN Gillespie, GN McGrath.
PA Sport