pic by - Johann Jayasinha (SNNI) Melbourne

CRICKET AUSTRALIA
By Angus Morgan for Cricket Australia

Conditions at the Gabba seem likely to determine whether Mitchell Johnson or Shaun Tait fills the third paceman's slot for the First 3 mobile Test against Sri Lanka starting next Thursday.

Johnson, who would be playing on his home track, and Tait were included with fellow quicks Brett Lee and Stuart Clark in a squad of 13 announced today by National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch at ACB headquarters in Melbourne.

Hilditch said it would be "unusual" for Australia to go in with four fast bowlers, but that was one of the options canvassed at the selection table.

"We really do need to see the wicket," Hilditch said.

"The wicket for the last Pura Cup game did a fair bit on the first day and swung around a bit, but after that was a real good batting wicket and spun a bit.

"Obviously Mitchell will be at his best when the ball swings and Tait's got the advantage of being close to if not the fastest bowler in the country."

Hilditch said the selectors had been keeping a close watch on Tait in action for South Australia against Tasmania in the Pura Cup at the Bellerive Oval over the past few days.

While noting that the 24-year-old may be a touch underdone, he said the selectors were particularly impressed by his first innings dismissal of Test skipper Ricky Ponting with a near unplayable ball that reared from a good length.