Cricket: Australia drop Lehmann and Kasper

SYDNEY - Australia have omitted fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz and batsman Darren Lehmann from their team to play the third cricket test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting today announced that leg spinner Stuart MacGill and all-rounder Shane Watson had both been included in the side in a surprise move from the hosts as they attempt to secure a 3-0 sweep of the series.

Kasprowicz can consider himself unlucky to lose his place after bowling superbly for Australia throughout the year while Lehmann's omission places his international future in jeopardy.

Ponting said Australia had opted to go for the team best suited to SCG conditions and the most likely to beat Pakistan again.

Ponting also said breaking the news to Kasprowicz and Lehmann was one of the hardest things he has had to do as skipper.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill. Michael Kasprowicz (12th man).

- AAP